Why does Sheng Zhen Men use one image of Daode Tianzun to represent faith in the Three Pure Ones?

Sheng Zhen Men uses a single image of Daode Tianzun to symbolise the source of the Great Dao. When introducing him, I also use names such as Taishang Laojun and the Patriarch of the Dao, so people understand that I mean the same deity.

The Daoist tradition of revering Taishang Laojun is one aspect of my explanation. Our centre therefore uses one image to represent the source of the Dao. Having all three images is not a requirement for expressing this faith. Our space was also smaller at the time, so practical considerations about the arrangement played a part.

Worshipping all three certainly has its meaning too. I am explaining Sheng Zhen Men’s own arrangement, not suggesting that other places have no reason to worship the Three Pure Ones simply because we use one image.

In explaining Chinese chess divination, I originally used the red general to represent Guanyin Bodhisattva and the black general to represent the Three Pure Ones. Later, I made the black general’s correspondence more specific as Daode Tianzun. This describes how our explanation of a symbol developed as our understanding deepened. It does not mean replacing Guanyin with Daode Tianzun or requiring every divination system to use the same arrangement.

Nor did I feel close to the Three Pure Ones from the beginning. At first I thought they were very stern. Later I attended a four-day, three-night Daoist study programme at Sanqing Temple, taking classes seriously, discussing and sharing reflections. Only then did they feel like kind grandfathers. I had originally hoped to meditate in the evenings, but in practice almost all the time went to classes and exchanges. That experience showed me that understanding what deities wish to teach can also bring us closer in faith. We need not rely only on pursuing special perceptions.