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Jade Purity Yuanshi Tianzun: The Supreme Deity and Creator of Taoism
Yuanshi Tianzun, also known as Yuanshi Tianzun, is one of the most exalted and central deities in Taoist mythology. He holds the highest position in the Taoist belief in the Three Pure Ones, residing in the Jade Purity Realm of Daluo Heaven, the highest apotheosis of the Three Pure Ones. He is the embodiment of the Dao, symbolizing the origin and beginning of the universe and the starting point of all creation.
Jade Purity Yuanshi Tianzun
I. Identity and Status
Chief of the Three Pure Ones: The Three Pure Ones, the highest deity in Taoism, include Jade Purity Yuanshi Tianzun (center), Upper Purity Lingbao Tianzun (left), and Great Purity Daode Tianzun (also known as Taishang Laojun, right). Yuanshi Tianzun, the first of the Three Pure Ones, represents "beginninglessness" and is the original existence from the chaos of the universe.
Incarnation of the Dao: In Taoist teachings, the Dao is the fundamental law and origin of all things in the universe. Yuanshi Tianzun is the personified embodiment of the Dao. He existed before heaven and earth and embodies the eternal, immortal, and absolute truth.
Ancestor of the Creation: Although the specific creation story varies in detail in different Taoist scriptures, Yuanshi Tianzun is generally considered to be the creator deity who inaugurated a new era and divided the yin and yang of heaven and earth.
Ⅱ. Names and Symbolism
Yuqing: Refers to the sacred realm where he resides, signifying the supreme, pure, and flawless heavenly realm.
Yuanshi: This is the core of his name. "Yuan" means origin or beginning; "Shi" means beginning or beginning. Together, "Yuanshi" signifies the source and starting point of all things. He symbolizes "nothingness," the chaotic state before the birth of heaven and earth.
Tianzun: A Taoist title for the highest deity, meaning "supreme, supreme, and most noble."
Image Symbolism:
In Taoist iconography, Yuanshi Tianzun is often depicted holding the Hunyuan Pearl (symbolizing the chaotic, undivided origin of the universe) or grasping a magical formula. Sometimes, incense curls around him, symbolizing the gestational creation of the world. He often sits in the center, his demeanor solemn and serene, embodying his inaction and eternity as the origin of the universe.
III. Core Responsibilities and Functions
Yuanshi Tianzun's responsibilities are vast and fundamental, and can be summarized as follows:
1. Creation of the Universe and the Succession of Eras
This is Yuanshi Tianzun's most core responsibility. Taoism believes that the universe was not created all at once, but rather cycles through "kalpas" (a kalpa is an extremely long period of time). Whenever one era ends and a new one begins, Yuanshi Tianzun descends to save humanity, redistribute heaven and earth, and educate all living beings.
Longhan Zujie: Considered the first era, initiated and presided over by Yuanshi Tianzun.
The Long-Kang Tribulation: According to some Taoist scriptures, at the end of the Long-Kang Tribulation, when the world was plunged into darkness, Yuanshi Tianzun would expound the Lingbao Sutra, restoring light to heaven and earth and ushering in a new era.
2. Expounding the Dao and Transmitting Scriptures
Yuanshi Tianzun is the fundamental source of countless Taoist scriptures. At specific times (such as the beginning of a new era), he would expound the supreme Dao and teach scriptures to the immortals and gods.
The Lingbao Sutra: This is said to be an important scripture passed down from Yuanshi Tianzun to Lingbao Tianzun (Taishang Daojun).
The Duren Sutra: Its full name is the "Tai Shang Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing." It is the core scripture of the Lingbao School and is believed to have been preached by Yuanshi Tianzun with the goal of saving all living beings.
His scriptures are considered "heavenly books," revealing the fundamental laws of the universe and forming the fundamental basis for Taoist practice and rituals.
3. Commanding the Immortal World, Conferring Deities and Granting Ordination
As the supreme deity, Yuanshi Tianzun presides over the entire system of immortals.
Conferring Deities: In the famous mythological novel "Investiture of the Gods," although a work of literature, its concept is deeply rooted in popular belief. The book depicts Yuanshi Tianzun, as the leader of the Chan sect, presiding over the great cause of conferring deities, conferring upon loyal ministers and righteous men who died in battle and Taoist disciples the status of righteous gods in heaven, and establishing a new order in the divine realm. This reflects his image in folk belief as the supreme leader of the divine realm.
Granting Ordination: In the Zhengyi school of Taoism, when a Taoist priest receives ordination (a talisman representing divine authority), the ordination is believed to ultimately originate from the Three Pure Ones, particularly Yuanshi Tianzun. This implies that the Taoist priest's magical powers and divine status are granted and recognized by Yuanshi Tianzun.
4. Redemption and Enlightenment
Although Yuanshi Tianzun holds an extremely high position and typically refrains from directly intervening in human affairs, he possesses a vast compassionate aspiration and is dedicated to the salvation of all living beings.
The core concept of his expositions (such as the "Duren Jing") is "universal salvation of heaven and man." With sincere recitation of the sutra and practice according to his teachings, all living beings (including ghosts) can receive his grace and be liberated.
During Taoist rituals, high-ranking practitioners communicate with Yuanshi Tianzun through meditation, chanting, and stepping on the celestial bodies, praying for his arrival at the altar, showering nectar, liberating the souls of the deceased, and bestowing blessings on the living.
Summary：
Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun plays the role of "founder," "lawgiver," and "supreme ruler" in Taoism. He is not only the origin of the universe and time, but also the source of Taoist doctrines and the system of deities. His existence provides an ultimate, metaphysical foundation for Taoist beliefs. Understanding Yuanshi Tianzun is key to understanding the Taoist cosmology, the concept of deities, and the goal of spiritual practice. He symbolizes the origin of all things, the "nothingness," and the purpose of practicing Taoism is to return to this fundamental state of "Tao."
