Stele in Praise of the Supreme Empress of the Primordial Heaven

　　The Stele in Praise of the Supreme Empress of the Primordial Heaven is the largest and best-preserved ancient stele in the Taiqing Palace scenic area. Since it was “personally written, composed, and inscribed with a title by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty,” it is also referred to as the “Three Imperial Stele.”

　　Like the Song Dynasty stele in the Front Palace, this stele was also left behind when Emperor Zhenzong visited Taiqing Palace in the seventh year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era. However, unlike the stele in the Front Palace, this one was personally composed, calligraphed, and titled by the emperor himself. The stele is massive and majestic, standing 8 meters tall, 2 meters wide, and 0.67 meters thick, weighing over 50 tons. Its top is carved into curling dragon shapes, while its base features a mythical beast (qilin), gazing upwards with lifelike expression. The body of the stele is adorned with raised chrysanthemum patterns. The inscription, written in regular script, consists of 21 lines with 41 characters per line, extolling the virtues of Laozi’s mother. As the emperor himself acknowledged, compared to the supreme and divine merit of Laozi’s mother’s birth, he felt unworthy. The stone of the stele is extremely hard and, despite having endured a thousand years, remains well-preserved with only a few characters eroded. In 2000, Xu Pingfang, former president of the Chinese Archaeological Society, after conducting an on-site inspection of the stele, left an evaluation of its overall value in just eight words: “The finest in Henan, rare throughout China.” (Stele text included)

　　In Praise of the Supreme Empress and Preface

　　Personally Composed, Written, and Inscribed with Title by the Emperor

　　When primal energy is formless, its origin still has an ancestor; when the great is most exalted, it too has its source. This arises naturally, born from the Supreme Ultimate. Though the beginning of spiritual manifestation may appear wondrous yet remain unclear, human reason values honoring one’s forebears. Great indeed is… (29 missing characters) …the first among teachers of the faith,

　　…who ascended the sacred path, descended upon the Pure Capital, shone brilliantly through the ages, appearing and disappearing intermittently like the responsive dragon, or revealing and concealing, akin to the radiant sun. Since the time of the Grand Unity, up to the Zhou Dynasty, some dwelled in the world retaining their true nature, others ascended to heaven yet left their shadows behind. Observing divine transformations, though their ways are boundless; aligning with human ethics, they surely had their origins. Thus, responding to a falling star, divine essence was received, and pointing to the immortal plum tree, birth was bestowed. Residing in the sacred land of the Chu Kingdom, inhabiting the famed soil of Lixiang. Seventy-two years passed before emerging through the armpit. Over three hundred years, constantly preserving hidden wisdom while mingling with the common folk. Then, pointing toward the Flowing Sands, he rose above, realizing those who could be transformed were the Hu people. Crossing the Mountains and Passes, he foresaw, meeting the enlightened official at the Pass. The seventy chapters of the Dao, thus commanding spirits and ghosts; the five-thousand-word scripture, thereby proclaiming the Dao and virtue. For a hundred generations, they received its grace; for myriad spirits, they returned their reverence. Due to the divine region of Wojiu, the respectful hall truly exists; the illustrious decrees of the Tang Dynasty recall the profound origins. Embracing great restoration at its outset, recalling laborious toils to the utmost. Greatly illuminating the virtuous and benevolent nature, a secluded and pure court was specially established. Upholding the name of the Primordial Heaven, thus exalting grace… (text continues) …honoring wisdom and keen perception. Establishing the ritual of walking in the footsteps of the Zhou era, containing the earliest accounts of swallowing pearls, recorded in Han texts as well. The nation’s blessings are boundless, reaching the vastness in harmony with virtue, the foundation of governance lies in the mysterious and sublime, rule returns to tranquility. Ordering the heavens and regulating the earth, Emperor Taizu quelled the Eight Regions with his golden sword. Returning to origins and restoring simplicity, Emperor Taizong tuned the Jade Ruler to align the Seven Luminaries. Ensuring the great stability of the Central Region, resulting from the descent of the Supreme Dao, prosperity emerged as the young sovereign accepted this mandate, and through the cycles of grand rites, inherited the imperial path, continuing the winds of majesty within the forbidden enclosures… (text continues) …bestowing blessings upon devoted subjects, especially the elders of Jingbo… (text continues) …officials of the Weiyang gates, recounting the respectful rites of audience, reviving the old customs of imperial tours, ceremonial banners aligned auspiciously, treading the proper path to reach this unique court. Offering aquatic plants with reverence, presenting sincere hearts to conduct solemn rites. Gazing upon the exalted spirit’s separate abode, recalling noble deeds from past accounts. Ascending the celestial chariot, its legacy already passed down in secret records; these remaining vestments, still lingering upon the lofty mound. Inspired by the utmost sincerity of Qian, responding to the vast echo of chaos. Inscribed in metal and stone, the stele vividly recounts these auspicious signs; a myriad of blessings forever await their flourishing. In praise it is said:

　　The virtues of Laozi resonate with the vast heavens; the traces of the Supreme Empress

　　Shine forth with spiritual clarity; residing in the highest realms, yet governing mighty achievements below

　　Initiating the Supreme Dao, sourcing true influence; promoting divine transformations to bring about universal harmony

　　The profound and solemn sacred hall, the dignified and serene visage; harmonious chariots follow the proper path

　　Offering jade and ivory with utmost respect; praying sincerely for abundant blessings, greatly sheltering the beings within the realm, with unfathomable spiritual presence

　　Manifesting感应 with deep resonance; once engraved upon the musical stone, forever shining within the jeweled palace

　　The twenty-second day of the first month in the seventh year of Dazhong Xiangfu

　　The Imperial Calligraphy Academy, by imperial decree, diligently engraved this stone

　　(Note: “□” indicates missing or damaged characters in the text.)

　　Source: Luoyi County People's Government Website