The Jade Emperor resides in the Heavenly Golden Palace of Mi Luo, also known as “The Jade Emperor, the Supreme Deity of the Xuan Qiong.” His full title is: “The Supreme and Most Honorable Natural Wonder of the Heavenly Golden Palace, the True Jade Emperor.” He is recognized in Taoism, not as Zheng Chenggong, nor as Lord Guan, and certainly not as the ‘Xuan Ling Gao’ deity that is nonsense from Yiguandao.
In ancient Chinese religious beliefs, titles such as ‘Emperor’ and ‘Supreme Deity’ refer to the highest gods who can control natural elements like the sun, moon, wind, rain, and govern human fate including life and death, fortune and misfortune. In “The Diagram of the True Spirit Positions of Dong Xuan Ling Bao,” positions eleven and nineteen in the Yuqing San Yuan Palace are arranged with ‘Jade Emperor Dao Jun’ and ‘High Above Jade Emperor.’
“The Sutra on the Original Conducts of the High Above Jade Emperor” narrates the origins and background of the Jade Emperor. In ancient times, there was a country called Guang Yan Miao Le. The king Jing De and queen Bao Yue were childless in their old age. They sincerely prayed to heaven; later they dreamt that Taishang Dao Jun presented a baby to the queen. Upon waking from this dream, she became pregnant and gave birth on January 9th of the Bing Wu year. After growing up, the prince ascended to the throne but soon left his kingdom to cultivate Taoism in Pu Ming Xiang Yan Mountain until he achieved perfection in his merits. The scriptures record that after going through three thousand tribulations, he first attained Jin Xian (Golden Immortal) status and after countless eons became recognized as Jade Emperor.
“The Great Compassion Dharma Repentance of Beiji Zhenwu” states: ‘According to Dong Zhen’s original conduct sutra: The Jade Emperor is indeed the ancestor of primordial qi and the root of creation. In stillness he is sacred—this refers to Yuanshi Tianzun; in motion he is divine—this refers to Jade Emperor who resides in Yuqing Guan Tongming Hall. He governs all heavens and nurtures all beings; he is both master creator and originator of all things. In heaven he is revered among all saints; on earth he is lord over myriad teachings.’
The Jade Emperor holds the highest position in Taoism as sovereign over the universe, enlightening all heavens while overseeing the three realms across ten directions along with four births within six paths. The Jade Emperor dons a nine-chapter ceremonial robe with a jeweled crown upon his head while holding a jade tablet in his hands. Every year on December 25th according to lunar calendar, he personally descends to inspect human affairs regarding good and evil; January 9th marks his birthday when temples hold celebrations for longevity rituals reciting scriptures for prayers wishing for prosperous Taoist practices along with peace for both country and people.