Inborn nature refers to innate disposition. Being hard to transform means being difficult to alter. Even rivers can change their channels, but deep‑rooted evil dispositions resist change.
Wine of itself does not inebriate man; man inebriates himself. Lust of itself does not beguile man; man beguiles himself.
Wine remaining in a pot cannot make anyone drunk; men get drunk through their own fondness for drink. Other women do not come to bewitch men; men ensnare themselves by yielding to lust and seeking out seduction.
I manifest to deliver counsel, hoping you will cast off old vices and reestablish your virtue.
The Divine Sovereign states: I manifest to impart teaching, desiring that all people abandon licentious habits, renew their moral character, and become renewed persons.
If you follow these sacred precepts in practice, I shall grant you the five blessings of the Ji‑chou Canon.
The Divine Sovereign states: If anyone abides by this scripture’s precepts personally or teaches others with it, I shall safeguard him to enjoy the Five Blessings of Ji Chou. Ji Chou refers to the Nine Domains of Hongfan (The Great Plan) expounded by Viscount Ji. The Five Blessings are: first, longevity; second, affluence; third, health and tranquility; fourth, delight in virtue; fifth, a ripe old age with a peaceful passing.
If you abide unswervingly, without straying or digressing, I shall bestow upon you the Three Abundances of benediction.
Straying means deviating; digressing means wandering afar. To keep the scripture faithfully without straying, or not to abandon it but to read it every morning and evening, wins the Three Abundances: abundant blessings, abundant years, abundant sons — the ancient benediction spoken to Emperor Yao by the Huafeng elder.
If you guard your body like flawless fine jade, you shall surely be received and led upward to the Heavenly Terrace.