Sān tiān nèi jiě jīng 三天內解經

Inner Explanation of the Three Heavens

by 徐氏 (Xú shì) — Southern-Dynasties Zhèng yī author

A crucial Southern-Dynasties Celestial-Masters historical-doctrinal text — providing the Zhèng yī lineage’s own self-understanding of the “Three Heavens” (sān tiān 三天) revelation, the history of Zhāng Dàolíng’s covenant with Tài shàng Lǎo jūn, and the structure of the Daoist pantheon. A foundational primary source for early Celestial-Masters history. Preserved as DZ 1205 / CT 1205 (正一部).

Dating. 5th century. Dynasty: 南朝.

Translations and research

  • Bokenkamp, Stephen R. Early Daoist Scriptures. University of California Press, 1997. Includes English translation.