The Taoism SanQing, namely Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing, are the highest in the Taoist heavenly realms. The Lord of Yuqing is Yuanshi Tianzun, the Lord of Shangqing is Lingbao Tianzun, and the Lord of Taiqing is Taishang Laojun, namely Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun, and Taiqing Daode Tianzun. These Three Pure Deities are the great deities of Taoism at the beginning of the world’s creation, hence they are known as the Three Pure Ancestors of Taoism.
The Taoism SanQing are the symbols of the Taoist philosophical concept of “the Trinity”. In Taoism, there is the saying “One Qi transforms into the SanQing”. The “Tao Te Ching” says, “The Tao gives birth to One. One gives birth to Two. Two gives birth to Three. Three gives birth to all things.” This means that the Tao transforms into chaotic primordial energy. The chaotic primordial energy then transforms into yin and yang qi. And then yin and yang qi evolve into the three elements of heaven, earth, and humanity. From this, all things in the world are produced. One transforms into three, and three is also one. Therefore, the SanQing are the personified deities of “the Tao”.
