Everyday Life
What does the account of the Ten-Direction Suffering-Relieving Deities and Ten Kings of Hell discuss?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
The ten directions signify completeness: east, west, south, north, southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, above, and below. Relieving suffering in ten directions means it is not limited to one direction.
The Taoist account I introduced says Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun manifests as the Suffering-Relieving Deities of the Ten Directions, then as the Ten Kings of Hell for underworld matters. Tracing that relationship returns to Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun. Feeling a stronger early connection, I recited his praise invocation and tried subduing harmful influences; those experiences informed my understanding of his role in relieving suffering. This explains that faith relationship, not a single hierarchy for every tradition and deity.