Tài shàng Lǎo jūn jīng lǜ 太上老君經律
Scripture-Code of the Most High Lord Lǎo
Anonymous; c. 3rd century
A very early Daoist disciplinary code (jīng lǜ 經律 = “scripture-regulations”) attributed to Tài shàng Lǎo jūn. Traditionally dated to the 3rd century (per catalog), placing it among the earliest surviving Daoist disciplinary codes. Preserved as DZ 786 / CT 786 (Dòngshén bù, Jiè lǜ lèi 洞神部戒律類).
About the work
Historical significance
If the 3rd-century dating is correct, DZ 786 is one of the oldest Daoist disciplinary-code documents, roughly contemporary with the foundational Celestial Master organization under Zhāng Dào líng’s successors. It preserves a layer of Daoist monastic-ethical discipline from before the major 5th-century (Kòu Qiānzhī KR5c0182) and 7th-century (SuíTáng) reformations.
Contents
The text contains disciplinary rules, moral precepts, and ritual regulations in the general jiè lǜ 戒律 (“precepts and rules”) framework.
Dating. Per catalog: “3rd century?” Frontmatter gives 200–400 as a broad window. Dynasty: 漢-六朝.
Translations and research
- Schipper, Kristofer, and Franciscus Verellen, eds. The Taoist Canon: A Historical Companion to the Daozang. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004, DZ 786 entry.
- Kohn, Livia. Cosmos and Community. Three Pines Press, 2004.