The Winter Solstice marks the holy birthday of Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn (元始天尊), the highest deity in Taoism and one of the Three Purities (Sānqīng, 三清).
The Three Purities (三清, Sānqīng)
The Three Purities refer to:
- Jade Purity Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn (Yùqīng Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn, 玉清元始天尊),
- Supreme Purity Língbǎo Tiānzūn (Shàngqīng Língbǎo Tiānzūn, 上清灵宝天尊), and
- Grand Purity Dàodé Tiānzūn (Tàiqīng Dàodé Tiānzūn, 太清道德天尊).
Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn is said to have been born before the primordial chaos of the universe and resides in the Sacred Jade Purity Realm of Qīngwēi Heaven (玉清圣境清微天, Yùqīng Shèngjìng Qīngwēi Tiān). Língbǎo Tiānzūn dwells in Shàngqīng Zhēnjìng Yǔyú Heaven (上清真境禹余天). Dàodé Tiānzūn resides in Tàiqīng Xiānjìng Dàchì Heaven (太清仙境大赤天).
Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn’s Origin and Teachings
According to the Suí Shū (隋书, Book of Sui) in the section Jīngjízhì Four (经籍志四), Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn possesses divine attributes and is described as having been “born before Tàiyuán (太元, the Great Origin).” It is believed:
“The essence of Tiānzūn is eternal and indestructible. Whenever a new world emerges, he descends to impart the Mystical Dao, guiding beings through the kalpas (epochs). His appearances transcend time and epochs, marked by celestial eras such as Yánkāng (延康), Chìmíng (赤明), Lónghàn (龙汉), and Kāihuáng (开皇), spanning billions of years. Those he guides are celestial beings of the highest order, including Tàishàng Lǎojūn (太上老君), Tàishàng Zhàngrén (太上丈人), Tiānhuáng Zhēnrén (天皇真人), the Five Emperors of the Five Directions (Wǔfāng Wǔdì, 五方五帝), and numerous celestial officials.”
Titles and Descriptions of Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn
Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn is also referred to as:
- Yùqīng Zǐxū Gāoshàng Yuánhuáng Tàishàng Dàdào Jūn (玉清紫虚高上元皇太上大道君)
- Jade Purity Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn (玉清元始天尊).
The “Tàixuán Zhēnyī Běnjì Jīng” (太玄真一本际经) explains:
“He has no origin and no superior, yet he alone initiates all creation. Thus, he is called Yuánshǐ (‘Primordial Origin’). His actions in accordance with the Dao grant him the highest reverence. Dwelling in the Three Purities, he surpasses all realms and is hence titled Tiānzūn (‘Celestial Sovereign’).”
According to the Lìdài Shénxiān Tōngjiàn (历代神仙通鉴), he is the “progenitor ruling the celestial realms” and existed even before the birth of Tàiyuán (太元, the cosmos itself), making him the origin of all creation. He is revered as Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn because he reveals the Dao in its most profound and mystical form to guide sentient beings.
Symbolism and Representation
In Taoist temples, the Three Purities Hall (Sānqīng Diàn, 三清殿) often features Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn in the center, depicted holding a Mystical Primordial Pearl (Hùnyuán Zhū, 混元珠), symbolizing the state of Wújí (无极)—”the unformed void before creation.” His body is eternal and unchanging, embodying the Natural Essence (Zìrán Zhīqì, 自然之气).
During the great rituals of Taoism, the position of Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn remains central. His sacred birthday is celebrated on the Winter Solstice (Dōngzhì, 冬至), marking the rebirth of yang energy and the turning point of cosmic balance.
“Yùqīng Bǎogào (玉清宝诰)” Invocation
The sacred scripture Yùqīng Bǎogào (玉清宝诰) describes:
“Above the Three Realms, where Heaven of Grand Ultimate Purity (Dàluō Tiān, 大罗天) resides, a transcendent fragrance pervades the profound clarity of the Jade Mountain’s celestial capital (玉京, Yùjīng). From the Primordial Pearl, the ineffable mystery unfolds, revealing the Three Lights (Sun, Moon, and Stars) and engendering all heavens and myriad beings.”
Celestial Palaces and Great Realms
Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn resides in the highest layer of the 36 Heavens (Sānshíliù Tiān, 三十六天), known as Dàiluō Tiān (大罗天). His palace, the Jade Capital of Xuāndū (玄都玉京, Xuāndū Yùjīng), is adorned with golden grounds, jade steps, and celestial treasures, including the Seven Precious Items (Qībǎo, 七宝) and mystical trees. These realms served as inspirations for earthly royal courts.
The Role of Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn in Creation
Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn’s teaching reveals that all existence arises from the Three Vital Energies (Sānqì, 三炁):
- Yuánqì (元炁) – The primordial energy forming the basis of creation.
- Xuánqì (玄炁) – The harmonious energy shaping heaven and earth.
- Shǐqì (始炁) – The initiating energy driving the birth of all beings.
These energies culminate in the formation of the Three Realms (Sānjiè, 三界)—Desire Realm (Yùjiè, 欲界), Form Realm (Sèjiè, 色界), and Formless Realm (Wúsèjiè, 无色界)—and the heavens beyond, culminating in Dàluō Tiān, the supreme celestial paradise.
Written and Translated by Daoist Liu Cheng Yong, German Daoist Association.
Source: Wudang Daoist Association