《老子像名经》

At that time, the High Supreme Laozi, together with the Perfected of the ten directions, the mighty spirits of the ten divisions, and countless living beings, journeyed through worlds without bound or limit, proclaiming the teaching and transforming all. They saw many beings in every quarter widely practicing evil and creating grave karmic offenses. Forsaken souls of the dead endured bitter torment and passed through every kind of hardship, at times moving from darkness into light, yet dying and being born again and again, drifting in suffering through the hells of the ten directions.

Some fell into the Wind-and-Thunder Hell of the east; some entered the Furnace-and-Charcoal Hell of the south; some stood in the Golden Hammer Hell of the west; some were confined in the Cold Ice Hell of the north. Some dropped into the Boiling-Cauldron Hell of the northeast, plunged into the Bronze Pillar Hell of the southeast, sank into the Slaughter-and-Dismemberment Hell of the southwest, or were driven to labor in the Fire-Chariot Wind-and-Thunder Hell of the northwest. Others were cast into the Fire Pit Hell above, or submerged in the Filth-and-Excrement Hell below. According to the karma each had made, they received different punishments: their bodies and heads were shattered and split apart, and day and night they were beaten without a moment of rest.

The High Supreme Laozi felt deep compassion for living beings who suffered in this way, and therefore would proclaim the numinous images of the responsive manifestations of the Celestial Worthies of the ten directions—the manifested numinous images of one thousand one hundred and sixty Celestial Worthies—together with their names, so that all beings throughout the boundless worlds of the ten directions might reverently worship and recite those names, and thereby repent their faults, eliminate evil karma, increase their share of blessings, and foster good conduct. All you Perfected should listen with undivided attention.

Thereupon the High Supreme Laozi told the Perfected of Universal Deliverance of the East and the assembled immortals: In the boundless world of the Nine Qi (vital energy) of the East there are the names of the numinous images of ninety Celestial Worthies. Those who worship them can eliminate measureless karmic offenses and obtain measureless blessings.

With utmost sincerity and faith, worship the Celestial Worthy of Universal Compassion Who Protects the Nation, of the East.

With utmost sincerity and faith, worship the Celestial Worthy of Great Forbearance Without Obstruction.

With utmost sincerity and faith, worship the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Minister of Eastern Florescence.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Transformative Evolution of the Azure Palace (the Celestial Worthy who, in the Azure Palace, propagates the Dao (the Way) of transformation and nurture), the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Numinous Wondrous Treasure (the Worthy of the wondrous methods of the immortal numina and of precious treasures), the Celestial Worthy Who Embraces Harmony and the Utmost of Emptiness (the Celestial Worthy who contains harmonious Qi (vital energy) and attains the utmost of empty stillness), the Celestial Worthy of Great Forbearance and Unobstructed Action (the Celestial Worthy who possesses the De (Virtue/Power) of great forbearance and acts without any obstruction), and the Celestial Worthy, Exalted Minister of Eastern Florescence (the venerable assisting minister in the station of Eastern Florescence).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Transformative Evolution of the Azure Palace, the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Numinous Wondrous Treasure, the Celestial Worthy Who Embraces Harmony and the Utmost of Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy Who Accumulates Goodness in the Nine Heavens (the Celestial Worthy who accumulates good De in the Nine Heavens), the Celestial Worthy, the Supreme True Elder (the supreme and unsurpassed True-Elder Celestial Worthy), the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Numen, Hidden Yet Radiant (the Celestial Worthy whose primordial spiritual nature is hidden yet luminous), the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Portal and the Jade Void (the Celestial Worthy of the realm of the Golden Portal and the Jade Void), the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Response to the Inquiring Mind (the Worthy of profound and mysterious resonance), the Celestial Worthy of Great Deliverance in the Numinous Capital (the Celestial Worthy who, within the Numinous Capital, is magnanimous and universally saving), the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Numinosity and Supreme De (the Celestial Worthy who is mysteriously numinous and luminously aware, and whose De is of the highest order), the Celestial Worthy Exalted on High in the Great Void (the Celestial Worthy who dwells on high in the realm of the Great Void), the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Penetration and Ultimate Subtlety (the Celestial Worthy who is harmoniously integrated and thoroughly penetrating, and in whom wondrous principle reaches its utmost), the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Illumination and Reveals the True Appearance (the Celestial Worthy who opens forth brightness and manifests the true form), the Celestial Worthy of Precious Excellence and Primordial Harmony (the Celestial Worthy who is precious and especially sublime, and in whom primordial Qi is harmoniously united), the Celestial Worthy of the Fully Perfected Treasury of the Teachings (the Celestial Worthy whose treasury of the teachings is complete and attains the utmost), the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Clarity and True Stillness (the Celestial Worthy who is mysteriously clear and thoroughly luminous, and whose true mind is settled), the Celestial Worthy in Whom Manifold Wisdoms Reach Fulfillment (the Celestial Worthy who gathers a multitude of wisdoms and thereby comes to completion), the Celestial Worthy, Exalted Minister of Golden Florescence (the venerable assisting minister of the realm of Golden Florescence), the Celestial Worthy of True Practice Who Clarifies Cause and Effect (the Celestial Worthy who, through genuine cultivation, understands cause and effect), the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Light and Ultimate Reality (the Celestial Worthy who is awe-inspiring and radiant, and who manifests the true fundamental ground), the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Understanding and Awakening (the Celestial Worthy who opens wisdom and enables people to realize the truth), the Celestial Worthy of Wise Comprehension and Luminous Intelligence (the Celestial Worthy who understands by wisdom and is thoroughly clear by the light of knowledge), the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Apex of the Purple Void (the Celestial Worthy supreme in the realm of the Purple Void), the Celestial Worthy Whose Numinous Mind Shines Universally (the Celestial Worthy whose luminous spirit-mind illumines all), the Celestial Worthy, the Widely Nourishing Source of Grace (the Celestial Worthy who is a source of grace that broadly enriches), the Celestial Worthy of Correct Awakening Who Bestows Instruction (the Celestial Worthy who, by the Dao of correct awakening, sends down teaching), the Celestial Worthy Whose True Wisdom Illumines the Ultimate (the Celestial Worthy who, with true wisdom, illumines the ultimate realm), the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Treasure of Immortal Deliverance (the Celestial Worthy who, by the wondrous methods of the immortal Dao, saves and delivers living beings), the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Response of Purple Yang (the Celestial Worthy in whom the Qi of Purple Yang responds with numinous subtlety), the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Wondrous Meaning (the Celestial Worthy whose wondrous principle and intent are endless and inexhaustible), the Celestial Worthy of Golden Light and Wholesome Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy of golden radiance, fully endowed with wholesome wisdom), the Celestial Worthy of True Practice in the Mysterious Void (the Celestial Worthy who truly cultivates in accordance with the Dao of mysterious empty stillness), and the Celestial Worthy of the Wisdom of Emptiness Who Brings Deliverance (the Celestial Worthy who, by wisdom, realizes the principle of emptiness and thereby enables people to be liberated).

Here, “zhixin xinli” means to believe in and reverently honor with a heart of utmost sincerity; the whole passage, in the manner of worship and praise, lists a series of titles of Celestial Worthies.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) who is majestic and mysterious, awakened and thoroughly penetrating.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of numinous wonder and sympathetic response, universally penetrating.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the Void Sovereign (Xuhuang, a revered deity of the Dao), who sends down radiance and universally illumines all beings.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is wondrous to the utmost and is the true original source.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of mysterious response, whose wisdom is clear and penetrating.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose form is majestic and who is filled with true Yang.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who concentrates Shen (spirit) in quiet stillness, clear and thoroughly illuminating.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose clouds of the Law spread far and wide, universally sending down nourishing moisture.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is empty, still, and luminously clear, whose gaze reaches afar.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose appearance of the Law is perfectly complete.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose intent is wondrous and profound, and whose bearing is dignified.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose realm of the original source is mysterious and subtle.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of harmonious emptiness and pure genuineness, silent and brightly illuminating.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of boundless wondrous bliss, whose awe-inspiring light shines forth.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who universally illumines the realms of darkness and of light.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose affinities of the Law are vast and inexhaustible.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who accords with the opportunities of all beings and arrives in sympathetic response.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of right view and wisdom, mysterious, empty, and still.

With one heart I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of boundless wondrous bliss, whose awe-inspiring light shines forth.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who universally illumines the realms of darkness and of light.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose affinities of the Law are vast and inexhaustible.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who accords with the opportunities of all beings and arrives in sympathetic response.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of right view and wisdom, mysterious, empty, and still.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose eye of wisdom radiates light.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who shines with the brilliance of fine jade.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose fragrance drifts abroad and whose gaze reaches afar.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who spreads wide like flying clouds.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who universally delivers all beings and brings them peace and joy.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the oceanic void, whose wisdom is deep and vast.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who bestows peace and joy with a compassionate heart.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the Void Sovereign who universally succors all beings.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who shines and illumines like a lamp of the Law.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is supremely exalted and vast as the Great Void (Taixu).

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who, with great compassion, rescues beings from suffering.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose De (Virtue/Power) is exalted and who compassionately saves all beings.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who establishes all beings in the supreme realm of peace and joy.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is mysteriously harmonious, precious, and beautiful.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is settled in Wuwei (non-action) and endowed with wisdom.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is mysterious, empty, and still, majestic and pure.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who holds compassion in the heart and is skilled in bringing relief.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom is vast and who can respond to all things.

With one heart, holding piety and faith, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is majestic and possessed of plain and genuine De.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Supreme Honored One of Vacuous Mystery (Xuxuan Zhizun), the empty and still, mysterious and wondrous deity supreme above all.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Compassion and Benevolent Relief (Cibei Shanji), the honored deity who, with a compassionate heart, relieves and saves all living beings.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Vast Wisdom Who Responds to Beings (Huiliang Yingwu Tianzun), the honored deity of far-reaching wisdom who can manifest in response to whatever living beings need.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Bearing and Pure De (Virtue/Power) (Zhuangyan Sude Tianzun), the honored deity whose appearance is solemn and dignified and whose virtue is pure.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Utmost Vacuous Mystery (Xuxuan Zhiji Tianzun), the honored deity in whom emptiness, stillness, mystery, and wonder reach their utmost.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Root of Natural Spontaneity (Miaoben Ziran Tianzun), the honored deity who takes the Dao (the Way) of natural spontaneity as the fundamental root.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Rescue and Protection (Cibei Jiuhu Tianzun), the honored deity who, with a compassionate heart, rescues and protects living beings.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Nameless Precious Form (Wuming Baoxiang Tianzun), the honored deity whose titles cannot be fully recounted and whose form is supremely excellent.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Sheltering Cloud of the Teaching (Fayun Chuiyin Tianzun), the honored deity who, like a cloud of the Teaching spread overhead, brings protection to living beings.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Vast Transformation through Compassionate Grace (Ci’en Guanghua Tianzun), the honored deity who widely bestows compassionate grace and teaches and transforms living beings.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Ford Who Universally Nourishes (Xuanjin Purun Tianzun), the honored deity who universally moistens and nourishes living beings with the mysterious and wondrous Dao.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Harmony and Accumulated Goodness (Linghe Shanji Tianzun), the honored deity who is numinous, wondrous, and harmonious, and who gathers stores of good virtue.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Great Wisdom, Clear and Settled (Dahui Ningzhan Tianzun), the honored deity of vast wisdom whose mind is clear, luminous, and at rest.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Widely Expounds Precepts and Concentration (Guangkai Jieding Tianzun), the honored deity who broadly proclaims the precepts and meditative concentration.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Entrusted with the Treasures of the Teaching (Zhulei Fabao Tianzun), the honored deity charged with transmitting and safeguarding the treasures of the Teaching.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Dark Shen (spirit) Who Penetrates and Illuminates (Mingshen Dongzhao Tianzun), the honored deity whose spirit-consciousness is subtle and hidden, yet able to see through and illuminate.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Reveres the Immortal Way and Opens Instruction (Chongxian Kaihua Tianzun), the honored deity who honors the way of the immortals and opens the work of teaching and transformation.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Greatly Propagates the Orthodox Teaching (Dahong Zhengfa Tianzun), the honored deity who widely promotes the orthodox Dao.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Bridge of the Teaching Who Universally Delivers (Faqiao Pudu Tianzun), the honored deity who takes the methods of the Dao as a bridge and universally saves and ferries living beings across.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Contains the Treasury of De (Decang Baohan Tianzun), the honored deity who inwardly holds profound virtue.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Expedient Response and Manifestation (Quanbian Yingjian Tianzun), the honored deity who can change with the occasion and appear in responsive manifestation.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Greatly Propagates the Orthodox Teaching (Dahong Zhengfa Tianzun), the honored deity who widely promotes the orthodox Dao.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Bridge of the Teaching Who Universally Delivers (Faqiao Pudu Tianzun), the honored deity who takes the methods of the Dao as a bridge and universally saves and ferries living beings across.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Contains the Treasury of De (Decang Baohan Tianzun), the honored deity who inwardly holds profound virtue.

In utmost sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Expedient Response and Manifestation (Quanbian Yingjian Tianzun), the honored deity who can change with the occasion and appear in responsive manifestationWith utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Supreme Venerable of the Void and Mystery (the supreme deity who is empty, still, mysterious, and wondrous, and supreme above all).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Compassion Who Skillfully Delivers (the deity who, with a compassionate heart, relieves and saves all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Vast Wisdom Who Responds to Beings (the deity of vast wisdom who transforms and responds according to the needs of all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Bearing and Pure De (Virtue/Power) (the deity of dignified appearance and pure, unsullied virtue).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Utmost Void and Mystery (the deity in whom emptiness, stillness, and wondrous mystery reach their extreme).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Root of Spontaneity (the deity whose foundation is the natural Dao, the Way).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Compassion Who Rescues and Protects (the deity who, with a compassionate heart, rescues and safeguards all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Nameless Precious Form (the deity whose titles cannot be fully told and whose appearance is supremely excellent).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma-Cloud That Spreads Its Shade (the deity who, like a cloud of the Law overhanging, brings shelter to all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Vast Compassionate Grace Who Transforms (the deity who widely bestows compassionate grace and teaches and transforms all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Ford Who Universally Moistens (the deity who, by the wondrous Dao, universally nourishes all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Harmony Who Accumulates Good (the deity who is spiritually wondrous and harmonious, and who gathers stores of virtuous merit).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Great Wisdom, Concentrated and Clear (the deity of vast wisdom whose mind is limpid, bright, and settled).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Widely Opens Precepts and Concentration (the deity who broadly proclaims the precepts and meditative concentration).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Entrusted with the Dharma Treasure (the deity charged with transmitting and safeguarding the precious Dharma).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Hidden Spirit Who Sees Through All (the deity whose spiritual consciousness is subtle and profound, yet able to penetrate and illuminate).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Honors the Immortal Way and Opens Transformation (the deity who reveres the path of immortality and initiates teaching and transformation).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Greatly Spreads the Orthodox Dharma (the deity who widely promulgates the correct Way).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Bridge Who Universally Saves (the deity who takes the methods of the Dao as a bridge and universally delivers all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Whose Treasury of Virtue Contains All (the deity who inwardly holds profound virtue).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Expedient Transformation Who Appears in Response (the deity who can change with the occasion and manifest in responsive transformation).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Greatly Spreads the Orthodox Dharma (the deity who widely promulgates the correct Way).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Bridge Who Universally Saves (the deity who takes the methods of the Dao as a bridge and universally delivers all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Whose Treasury of Virtue Contains All (the deity who inwardly holds profound virtue).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Expedient Transformation Who Appears in Response (the deity who can change with the occasion and manifest in responsive transformation).

At this time, the Most High Laozi said to the Perfected One of Universal Salvation of the East and the assembled immortals: “If you can teach and transform all living beings throughout the boundless worlds of the ten directions, men and women alike, so that every one of them turns toward the Way with sincerity, worships with a single mind, and praises and extols the numinous image-names of the ninety Celestial Worthies of the Boundless World of the Nine Qi (vital energy) of the East, then the retribution that living beings undergo through the cycle of birth and death, together with the various offenses they committed in the past, can be removed:

showing contempt for the Three Treasures—the Dao (the Way), the Jing (scripture), and the Master—without holding them in reverent awe; violating the scriptural texts and breaking the precepts, abandoning good conduct and turning to evil; slighting teachers and elders and failing to observe covenants; deceiving one’s own heart and forsaking good faith, going against what is right and refusing to make restitution; confronting others with malicious words, acting contrary to the law, and cursing people; drunken brawling and giving offense in both public and private affairs; secretly plotting evil and harming others behind their backs; turning near and far upside down, harboring resentment toward those close to one while rejoicing instead in outsiders; falsely accusing and slandering the good and leading people onto deviant paths; damaging good conduct and fostering evil conduct, complying to a person’s face while opposing them behind their back.

These ten categories of offenses of the East are endless and without limit, and they are hard to record one by one. If now one can confess and repent with a concentrated mind and is willing to be rid of these ten categories of offenses, the deities of the Ten Days of Upright Observance of the East and the envoys of the Celestial Emperor will not register their crimes or report them to the Celestial Bureau (the heavenly office that keeps the registers and renders judgment). After death they will not fall into the Hell of Wind and Thunder of the Boundless World of the East; in this life the body-spirits (the deities who guard and sustain the body) may also be spared the calamity of thunderbolts, and when they are reborn as human beings in a future life, they will obtain joy without bounds.”

Thereupon the Perfected One of Universal Salvation and the assembled immortals bowed with a single mind and reverently received Laozi’s teaching.

End of Scroll One of the Scripture of the Image-Names of Laozi (Laozi Xiangming Jing)

Scroll Two of the Scripture of the Image-Names of Laozi

At this time, the Most High Laozi said to the Perfected One of Universal Deliverance of the South and the assembled immortals: “The Boundless World of the Three Qi of the South has the numinous image-names of thirty Celestial Worthies. Those who worship these Celestial Worthies can eliminate measureless offenses and obtain measureless blessed reward.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, have faith and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Virtue and Great Compassion of the South.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage as Blazing Radiance and Numinous Glory addresses the Perfected of Universal Salvation of the South and all the immortals: In the boundless world of the Three Qi (vital energy) of the South, there are the numinous images and titles of thirty Celestial Worthies. Those who pay them homage can eliminate immeasurable karmic offenses and obtain immeasurable blessings.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Virtue and Great Compassion of the South.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Blazing Radiance and Numinous Glory.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Mound of the Southern Pole.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of August Purity in the Upper South.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Formless Longevity.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Numen, Concentration, and Wisdom.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Origin and Wondrous Light.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Brightness, Root of the Dharma.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom-Life Abiding in Constancy.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Light and Deliverance.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma-Body Manifest in the World.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unobstructed Freedom.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Skillfully Expounds the Marks of the Dharma.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Increases Wisdom and Understanding.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Skillful Means Who Transforms Beings.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Utmost Stillness and Clear Radiance.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Wisdom and Virtue.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Grand Tenuity Who Responds to the Name.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Penetration and Settled Form.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sees Through the Hidden and the Manifest.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Brahma Radiance Who Spreads the Teaching.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peace, Joy, and Superior Reward.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Ascends to the Ultimate Mystery.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Light and Precious Victory.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Marks.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sees Through the Hidden and the Manifest.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Brahma Radiance Who Spreads the Teaching.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peace, Joy, and Superior Reward.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Ascends to the Ultimate Mystery.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Light and Precious Victory.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Central Harmony and Great Wisdom.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the One Vehicle and the Empty Ultimate.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Lineage, Born in Response.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Immeasurable Majestic Transformation.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Radiance and Wondrous Enlightenment.

With sincere faith, revere and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Hidden Spirit in Penetrating Serenity.

The Most High Laozi said: This Celestial Worthy is endowed with a complete and perfect form. Attendants and guards stand to his left and right, and countless disciples gather about him. Together they dwell in the Boundless World of the Three Qi (vital energy) of the South. He widely proclaims the teachings of the Great Vehicle, sets forth the essentials of the Great Dao (the Way), and saves all sinful sentient beings, freeing them from suffering so that they all attain peace and ease.

At this time, the Most High Laozi told Pudu Zhenren, the Perfected One of Universal Salvation of the South, and the assembled immortals: “If you can guide and instruct all sentient beings in the Boundless World of the South, men and women alike, so that they all sincerely turn in devotion, single-mindedly believe and worship, and recite and praise the numinous images and names of the thirty Celestial Worthies of the Boundless World of the Three Qi of the South, then you can eliminate the sinful retributions and grievances that sentient beings incur through the cycle of birth and death.

“The offenses that sentient beings have committed in the past include: slandering the true Jing (scriptures) and calling them heterodox teachings; forgetting what their teachers transmitted and failing to follow their instruction; divining by the stars and by prophetic charts and recklessly declaring good and ill fortune; deceiving and abducting good people and forcing them into servitude as slaves and maidservants; indulging passion and desire at will and freely committing unlawful acts; stripping travelers of their property and seizing their clothing; stealing ritual implements from the permanent abodes of the Three Treasures (Dao, Jing, and the Master); digging up tombs and plundering the belongings of the dead; concealing scriptures and refusing to transmit them; and envying the wealthy while hoping that their family fortunes will decline. These ten kinds of evil deeds of the South, together with other endless offenses, are too numerous to count.

“Now, if one can wholeheartedly disclose one’s own faults and sincerely repent, these sins can be eliminated. The Ten Upright Spirits of the South (deities responsible for inspecting and recording good and evil) and the envoys of Taiyi will not register these charges or report them to the Heavenly Bureaus (the offices of the celestial realm). Such a person, after death, will not fall into the furnace-charcoal hell of the Boundless World of the South, and body and mind will long be spared the suffering of burning and decay; when reborn as a human in a future life, one will also enjoy boundless happiness.”

Thereupon, the Perfected One of Universal Salvation and the assembled immortals wholeheartedly prostrated themselves, accepting in faith and reverently practicing the teachings of Laozi.

End of Scroll Two of the Laozi Xiangming Jing (Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi).

The fourth is volume three of the Laozi Xiangming Jing (the Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi), which tells of the titles of the Celestial Worthies in the boundless world of the seven Qi (vital energy) of the West. The Most High Laozi tells the Compassionate Perfected of the West and the assembled immortals that this world has seventy Celestial Worthies. If one bows to them with a sincere heart and recites their titles, one can eliminate immeasurable karmic offenses and obtain immeasurable blessings and De (Virtue/Power).

What follows are the titles of the Celestial Worthies listed in the scripture. “Zhixin xinli” means to worship the Celestial Worthies with a heart of sincere reverence and faith: Celestial Worthy of the West, Golden Radiance Protecting the Hun-Soul; Celestial Worthy of Western Numinous Wisdom and Illumination; Celestial Worthy of the Western Extremity Who Manifests the True; Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and the Nine Elders; Celestial Worthy of the Supreme Sages and the Ten Blossoms; Celestial Worthy of the Four Voids Who Universally Illuminates; Celestial Worthy of True Origin and the Seven Radiances; Celestial Worthy of the Three Simplicities and Brilliant Numen; Celestial Worthy of the Golden Gate Who Expounds the Teaching; Celestial Worthy of Great Flourishing and the Supreme Extremity; Celestial Worthy of the Empty Cavern and the Sovereign of the Void; Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Light Who Saves the World; Celestial Worthy of the Nine Voids and Great Simplicity; Celestial Worthy of Numinous Radiance and the Eight Effulgences; Celestial Worthy Who Expounds the Teaching; Celestial Worthy of Great Flourishing and the Supreme Extremity; Celestial Worthy of the Empty Cavern and the Sovereign of the Void; Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Light Who Saves the World; Celestial Worthy of the Nine Voids and Great Simplicity; Celestial Worthy of Numinous Radiance and the Eight Effulgences; Celestial Worthy of the Seven Awakenings Who Illuminates Doubt; Celestial Worthy of the Three Simplicities and Radiant Light; Celestial Worthy of the Great Cavern, Effulgence, and Blossom; Celestial Worthy of Immeasurable Suchness; Celestial Worthy of Primordial Harmony and Precious Victory; Celestial Worthy of Fixed Light and the Register of Destiny; Celestial Worthy of Brilliant Blossom and Pure De; Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Treasure and Pure Light; Celestial Worthy of True Brightness and the Void Extremity; Celestial Worthy of Surging Harmony and Numinous Response; Celestial Worthy of Great Mystery on High; Celestial Worthy of the Void Extremity and Wondrous Numen; Celestial Worthy of the Precious Flower and Primordial Brahma; Celestial Worthy of the Pure Treasury and Secret Effulgences; and Celestial Worthy of the Ancestral Master Who Delivers and Liberates.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Mysterious Simplicity and Comprehensive De (Virtue/Power) (Xuansu Zongde Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Great Florescence Responding to Destiny (Taihua Yingyun Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Exalted Sovereign Jade Emperor (Gaohuang Yudi Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Victorious Light and Precious Radiance (Shengguang Baoyao Tianzun), and the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Holiness and Mysterious Effulgence (Gaosheng Xuanjing Tianzun).

After paying reverence to the Celestial Worthies, I once again pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Simplicity and Comprehensive De, the Celestial Worthy of Great Florescence Responding to Destiny, the Celestial Worthy of the Exalted Sovereign Jade Emperor, the Celestial Worthy of Victorious Light and Precious Radiance, and the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Holiness and Mysterious Effulgence, and in turn pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy of the Central Sovereign and True Realm (Zhonghuang Zhenji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Cavern and Jade Dawn (Yuandong Yuchen Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Most High Great Unity (Gaoshang Taiyi Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Ultimate Luminous Palace (Zhiji Minggong Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Jade Vacuity Manifesting Form (Yuxu Tingxiang Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Comprehensive Perfection and the Primordial Cavern (Zongzhen Yuandong Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Streaming Light Appearing in Response (Liuguang Yingjian Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Contemplation Illuminating the Hidden (Xuanlan Zhaoyou Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy Who Reaches Afar into the Deep Abyss (Tongyuan Shenyuan Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Golden Countenance Displaying Form (Jinrong Xianxiang Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy Who Lowers His Form and Scatters Radiance (Chuixing Sanjing Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Streaming Light Brilliant in the Four Directions (Liuguang Silang Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Cavernous Primordial and Accumulated Response (Dongyuan Jigan Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery Who Gathers the Host (Gaoxuan Zongzhong Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Vast Brightness and Brahma Treasure (Haoming Fanbao Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Golden Light and the Seven Simplicities (Jinguang Qisu Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Emperor and the True Ultimate (Yuhuang Zhenji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Supremacy and Grand Tenuity (Xuanshang Taiwei Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Cavern Wisdom and Empty Countenance (Donghui Xurong Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Impetus and Flowing Survey (Mingji Liulan Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy Who Seeks the True and the Great Cavern (Xunzhen Dadong Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy Who Concentrates Shen (spirit) and Meets the Holy (Ningshen Huisheng Tianzun), and the True Celestial Worthy (Zhen Tianzun).

Thereafter I also pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Supremacy and Grand Tenuity, the Celestial Worthy of Cavern Wisdom and Empty Countenance, the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Impetus and Flowing Survey, the Celestial Worthy Who Seeks the True and the Great Cavern, the Celestial Worthy Who Concentrates Shen and Meets the Holy, the Celestial Worthy of True Mystery and Great Unity (Zhenxuan Taiyi Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Pure Fullness Who Preserves the Light (Jingman Baoguang Tianzun), and the Celestial Worthy of the Great Vehicle and Virtuous De (Dasheng Jingde Tianzun).

Here the phrase “with utmost mind, believe and revere” (zhixin xinli) is used again and again, expressing belief in and worship of the many Celestial Worthies with a heart of utmost sincerity. Each title of a Celestial Worthy has its own meaning, and together they present a salutation offered to a great number of sacred exalted stations.

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Yaoming Gaoshang Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy of noble radiance).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Puxi Yuanzhao Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who universally stills worldly entanglements and illuminates all living beings).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Yurun Liuhui Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy whose luster is like jade and whose radiance spreads abroad).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Shanghua Yuanyi Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who is exalted and resplendent and returns to Primordial Unity).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Liukong Dongfu Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who corresponds to the void of the six directions and the grotto abodes).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Qibian Yuanhe Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who manifests the Qi (vital energy) of Primordial Harmony through seven transformations).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Wujie Kaihua Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who passes through five kalpas in order to guide and instruct living beings).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Hanguang Mijing Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who harbors light within and possesses profound and hidden scenes).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Qingdu Zhengji Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who attains the supreme realm in the pure immortal paradise).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Linghua Dongkong Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who, through numinous and wondrous transformation, penetrates the void).

With sincere devotion and reverent faith, we pay homage to the Chongxu Rumiao Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy who transcends the mundane world and enters the realm of profound mystery).

The Most High Laozi (Gaoshang Laozi) said: These Celestial Worthies are perfect and complete in appearance. Attendants and guards stand beside them, and countless disciples follow in their company. Together they dwell in the Boundless World of the Seven Qi of the West (the vast and limitless immortal realm of the West spoken of in Daoism). They widely proclaim the teachings of the Great Vehicle, set forth the essentials of the Great Dao (the Way), and save all sinful living beings, freeing them from suffering so that they obtain peace and joy.

At this time, Gaoshang Laozi said to the Compassionate Zhenren (Perfected One) of the West and the assembled immortals: “You must save all sinful living beings, free them from suffering, and bring every one of them to peace and joy.”

At this time, the Most High Laozi told the Compassionate Perfected (Zhenren) of the West and the assembled immortals: “If you can teach and transform every living being in the Limitless World (Wuji) of the West, whether male or female, so that all return to the faith with sincere hearts, devote themselves to worship, and praise and extol the numinous images and names of the seventy Celestial Worthies (Tianzun) of the Limitless World of the Seven Qi (vital energy) of the West, then the karmic retribution that living beings have formed through birth and death over successive lifetimes can be removed, together with the many offenses they committed in the past: failing to keep one’s word, and deceiving and defrauding others; envying others for surpassing oneself; using power and influence to bully the poor and the lowly; speaking gently while harboring malice within, appearing joyful on the surface while angry at heart; toying with written words and distorting judgments so as to wrong the upright; rebuking seniors or juniors, and slighting and insulting the elderly and the sick; spreading others’ malicious words and stirring up resentment; leaving the body uncovered and exposing it beneath the sun, moon, and stars (the Three Luminaries); loathing and resenting others without cause and punishing them at will; and teasing others with words, first making them glad and afterward making them angry.

Evil deeds of this kind, belonging to the ten classes of the West, are boundless in number and hard to record in full. If one can now confess and repent with a concentrated mind, these offenses can be eliminated, so that the Ten Upright Shen (spirits) of the West—the spirits charged with recording and inspecting offenses—will not enter the charges and submit them to the Celestial Bureau (the offices of the heavenly realm). After death one will not fall into the Hell of Golden Hammers and Iron Staffs in the Limitless World of the West, and the body-spirits of life and death (the divinities bound to one’s body and life) will long be spared the suffering of the whip; and when one is reborn as a human being in a future life, one will also obtain joy without limit.”

Thereupon the Compassionate Perfected and the assembled immortals bowed with one heart, received Laozi’s teaching in faith, and carried it out.

End of Scroll Three of the Laozi Xiangming Jing (scripture/classic of the images and names of Laozi).

Laozi Xiangming Jing, Scroll Four

At this time, the Most High Laozi told the Perfected Who Saves from Suffering of the North and the assembled immortals: “The Limitless World of the Five Qi of the North has the numinous images and names of fifty Celestial Worthies. Those who worship them can eliminate measureless sinful karma and obtain measureless blessings.”

With utmost sincerity, believe and worship the Celestial Worthy of the North Who Prolongs Life and Protects Destiny.

With utmost sincerity, believe and worship the Celestial Worthy of Bright Radiance of the North Pole.

With utmost sincerity, believe and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Emptiness and Taiji (Supreme Ultimate).

With utmost sincerity, believe and worship the Celestial Worthy of Purple Measure, Sovereign of the Void.

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Golden Truth Who Responds with Blessings (the honored deity who bestows blessings).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Jasper Blossoms and the Ten Virtues (the honored deity associated with beauty and virtuous conduct).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious and Subtle, Whose Radiance Is Hidden Within (the honored deity who is mysterious and profound, with brilliance concealed within).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one respectfully honors and worships the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Perfection and Supreme Treasure (the honored deity who is supremely true and holy, as precious as a treasure).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Great Magnanimity (the honored deity who is mysteriously harmonious and broadly generous).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Dawn Who Descends with Blessings (the honored deity who bestows blessings).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wisdom and Vast Compassion (the honored deity of lofty wisdom and expansive compassion).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Stillness and the Hidden Source (the honored deity who is precious and pure in stillness, the profound origin).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and Upright De (Virtue/Power) (the honored deity possessed of spiritual brilliance and upright De).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Great Magnanimity (the honored deity who is mysteriously harmonious and broadly generous).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Dawn Who Descends with Blessings (the honored deity who bestows blessings).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wisdom and Vast Compassion (the honored deity of lofty wisdom and expansive compassion).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Stillness and the Hidden Source (the honored deity who is precious and pure in stillness, the profound origin).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and Upright De (the honored deity possessed of spiritual brilliance and upright De).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Returns to Simplicity and Manifests the True Form (the honored deity who reveals the plain and original image).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Settles the Shen (spirit) and Illumines in Stillness (the honored deity who calms the mind and Shen and shines in quiet clarity).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy, the Primordial Lady of the Purple Pole (the honored Primordial Lady who dwells at the Purple Pole).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Wondrous Treasure (the honored deity who is mysteriously true and supremely precious).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Reaches the Four Directions Without Obstruction (the honored deity who penetrates freely in every direction without hindrance).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Discerns the Six and Clears Empty Doubts (the honored deity who distinguishes falsehood and doubt).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Brilliant Radiance and Beautiful Scenery (the honored deity of shining light and graceful vistas).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Light and Blazing Splendor (the honored deity of complete brightness and conspicuous radiance).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Golden Reflection and Flowing Truth (the honored deity whose golden light shines forth and whose true wonder spreads).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Heights and the Purple Void (the honored deity who dwells high in the realm of mysterious purple emptiness).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Great Subtlety and Utmost Wonder (the honored deity of supreme refinement).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and the Form of Emptiness (the honored deity of spiritual brilliance who manifests the mark of empty stillness).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Unsurpassed Celestial Worthy of Radiant Majesty (the honored deity who is supreme and without superior).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Empty Clarity and Penetrating Wisdom (the honored deity who is still and luminous, with insight and thorough understanding).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Mystery and Flowing Transformation (the honored deity through whom the mysterious transforming work of the Dao (the Way) spreads widely).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Clarifies the Shen and Preserves Through the Kalpa (the honored deity who purifies mind and Shen and protects one through ages of calamity).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Wisdom, Pure and Constant (the honored deity fully endowed with subtle wisdom, clear and everlasting).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Five Numina and Mysterious De (the honored deity possessed of the wondrous functions of the Five Numina and mysterious De).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who, in Solemn Dignity, Expounds Transformation (the honored deity who proclaims the transforming work of the Dao through solemn rite).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Six Perfections Who Concentrates the Shen (the honored deity who, through cultivation of the six perfections, settles mind and Shen).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Clarifies the Shen and Preserves Through the Kalpa (the honored deity who purifies mind and Shen and protects one through ages of calamity).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Wisdom, Pure and Constant (the honored deity fully endowed with subtle wisdom, clear and everlasting).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Five Numina and Mysterious De (the honored deity possessed of the wondrous functions of the Five Numina and mysterious De).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who, in Solemn Dignity, Expounds Transformation (the honored deity who proclaims the transforming work of the Dao through solemn rite).

With undivided sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Six Perfections Who Concentrates the Shen (the honored deity who, through cultivation of the six perfections, settles mind and Shen).With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Golden Truth Who Responds with Blessings (Jinzhen Yingfu Tianzun), a revered deity who bestows blessings. With the same wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Jasper Radiance and the Ten Virtues (Qionghua Shishan Tianzun), a revered deity associated with beauty and good De (Virtue/Power). With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Subtle Mystery and Hidden Radiance (Xuanwei Yinyao Tianzun), a revered deity of profound subtlety whose brilliance is stored within. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one honors and worships the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Perfection and Supreme Treasure (Gaozhen Taibao Tianzun), a revered deity of the highest perfected sanctity, precious as a jewel.

With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Great Magnanimity (Xuanhe Dadu Tianzun), a revered deity of wondrous harmony and vast generosity. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Dawn Who Sends Down Blessings (Zichen Jiangfu Tianzun), a revered deity who bestows blessings. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wisdom and Vast Compassion (Shanghui Hongci Tianzun), a revered deity of lofty wisdom and wide-reaching compassion. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Stillness and the Hidden Source (Baoji Youyuan Tianzun), a revered deity of cherished quietude and the profound origin. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and Upright De (Lingguang Zhengde Tianzun), a revered deity possessed of spiritual brightness and upright conduct.

The same wholehearted belief and worship is offered again to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Great Magnanimity, the deity of wondrous harmony and vast generosity; again to the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Dawn Who Sends Down Blessings, the deity who bestows blessings; again to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wisdom and Vast Compassion, the deity of lofty wisdom and wide-reaching compassion; again to the Celestial Worthy of Precious Stillness and the Hidden Source, the deity of cherished quietude and the profound origin; and again to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and Upright De, the deity of spiritual brightness and upright conduct.

With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Returns to Simplicity and Reveals the True Image (Huanchun Shixiang Tianzun), a revered deity who manifests the plain and original form. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Settles the Shen (spirit) and Illumines in Stillness (Anshen Jizhao Tianzun), a revered deity who calms the mind and spirit and shines in quiet clarity. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy, the Yuanjun of the Purple Pole (Ziji Yuanjun Tianzun), a revered Yuanjun (Primordial Sovereign) who dwells at the Purple Pole. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Wondrous Treasure (Xuanzhen Miaobao Tianzun), a revered deity of mysterious reality and unsurpassed preciousness. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Reaches in the Four Directions Without Obstruction (Sida Wu’ai Tianzun), a revered deity who penetrates every direction unhindered.

With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Sixfold Discernment of Empty Doubts (Liubian Xuyi Tianzun), a revered deity who distinguishes what is false and doubtful. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Bright Radiance and Splendid Scenes (Minghui Jingxiu Tianzun), a revered deity of shining light and beautiful appearances. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Light in Blazing Radiance (Yuanguang Bingyao Tianzun), a revered deity of complete brightness, radiant and manifest. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Golden Reflection Streaming the True (Jinying Liuzhen Tianzun), a revered deity whose golden light shines forth and whose true marvel spreads abroad. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Heights of the Purple Void (Xuanshang Zixu Tianzun), a revered deity who dwells on high in the realm of mysterious purple emptiness.

With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Great Tenuity and Utmost Subtlety (Taiwei Jimiao Tianzun), a revered deity of the highest refinement. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and the Mark of Emptiness (Lingguang Kongxiang Tianzun), a revered deity of spiritual brightness who manifests the form of empty stillness. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy, the Unsurpassed Sovereign of Splendor (Wushang Jinghuang Tianzun), a revered deity supreme and without superior. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Empty Clarity and Penetrating Wisdom (Xuming Donghui Tianzun), a revered deity of still transparency and insight that fully comprehends. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Mystery Whose Transformations Flow Forth (Baoxuan Liuhua Tianzun), a revered deity through whom the wondrous transforming work of the Dao (the Way) spreads widely.

With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Clarifies the Shen and Preserves Through the Kalpa (Chengshen Baojie Tianzun), a revered deity who purifies the mind and spirit and protects one through calamity. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Wisdom, Clear and Constant (Miaozhi Zhanchang Tianzun), a revered deity fully possessed of subtle wisdom, lucid and enduring. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Five Numina and Mysterious De (Wuling Xuande Tianzun), a revered deity endowed with the wondrous workings of the Five Numina and with mysterious De. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who, in Solemn Guestly Rite, Expounds Transformation (Yanbin Chanhua Tianzun), a revered deity who proclaims the transforming work of the Dao through dignified ritual. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Six Perfections Who Concentrates the Shen (Liudu Ningshen Tianzun), a revered deity who, through cultivation of the six perfections, settles and concentrates the mind and spirit.

That sequence is then repeated: wholehearted belief and worship are again offered to the Celestial Worthy Who Clarifies the Shen and Preserves Through the Kalpa, who purifies the mind and spirit and protects through calamity; to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Wisdom, Clear and Constant, fully possessed of subtle wisdom, lucid and enduring; to the Celestial Worthy of the Five Numina and Mysterious De, endowed with the wondrous workings of the Five Numina and with mysterious De; to the Celestial Worthy Who, in Solemn Guestly Rite, Expounds Transformation, who proclaims the transforming work of the Dao through dignified ritual; and to the Celestial Worthy of the Six Perfections Who Concentrates the Shen, who through the six perfections settles the mind and spirit.

With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Lofty Prime and the Supreme Minister (Gaoyuan Shangxiang Tianzun), a revered high ministerial deity of noble and exalted subtlety. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Universal Light and Vast Deliverance (Puguang Hongji Tianzun), a revered deity who, through light that reaches everywhere, widely extends salvation. With wholehearted sincerity and reverence, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Concentrates the Mysterious and Dwells on High (Ningxuan Gaoshang Tianzun), a revered deity who gathers the wondrous Dao and abides in the lofty realm above.

The phrase “wholehearted belief and worship” (zhixin xinli), which recurs throughout, means to believe in and worship with the utmost sincere heart; “reverent worship” (jingli) means to worship with respect. The titles of the Celestial Worthies in the text are largely used to praise the deities’ De, their radiance, and the transforming work of the Dao.

With devout reverence one pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Splendor and Primordial Harmony, the Celestial Worthy of Vast Illumination and Precious Form, the Celestial Worthy of Empty Wisdom Without Obstruction, the Celestial Worthy of Renewed Radiance and Myriad Virtues, the Celestial Worthy Who Embraces Harmony and Extends It Afar, the Celestial Worthy Who Roams the Void in Constant Joy, the Celestial Worthy of Upright Dignity and Supreme Virtue, the Celestial Worthy of Bright Aurora and Penetrating Knowledge, the Celestial Worthy Who Mounts the True and Guides Transformation, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Transformation and Subtle Response, the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the Mystery and Releases Obstruction, and the Celestial Worthy of Unsurpassed Virtuous Intent, together with the Celestial Worthy of the Void Sovereign Who Expounds the Sacred and the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Broad Salvation.

The Most High Laozi says: These Celestial Worthies are perfect and majestic in appearance. Attendants stand guard beside them, and countless disciples follow in their train. Together they dwell in the Northern World of the Five Qi (vital energy) of the Limitless—the northern immortal realm spoken of in Daoism—where they widely proclaim the teachings of the Great Vehicle, set forth the essentials of cultivating the Dao (the Way), and save all beings burdened by guilt, delivering them from suffering into peace and joy.

At this time, the Most High Laozi told the True Person Who Saves from Suffering of the North and the assembled immortals: “If you can teach and transform all living beings of the infinite world of the North, men and women alike, so that every one of them turns toward it with a sincere heart, devotes themselves single-mindedly to faith, worship, and reverence, and offers praise and laudation to the sacred images and names of the fifty Celestial Worthies of the infinite world of the Five Qi (vital energy) of the North, then the karmic retribution, together with the grievances and enmities, that living beings have formed through the cycle of birth and death can be removed.

“The many offenses that living beings committed in former times include killing creatures of flesh and blood; refusing to give material alms or to establish works of merit; eating the flesh of living beings in order to satisfy the mouth and belly; loosing hawks and setting dogs to the hunt, going out in pursuit and killing living things; setting mountains on fire and injuring or burning to death insects and crawling creatures; seeing others fall ill yet feeling no compassion and offering no cure; digging pits at crucial points along the roads so that people fall and injure their hands and feet; willfully planting thorns and brambles so as to cut off the way of travelers; deceiving and abducting the wives and the bondservants of others; and stealing the venerated images, bells, stone chimes, and other objects that others have offered in worship. All of these are the offenses of the Ten Evils of the North. They are boundless and without limit in number, and they cannot be recorded one by one.

“If now one can, with a single mind, openly confess one’s crimes and sincerely repent, and cast off these ten kinds of offense, then the deities of the Ten Uprights of the North and the ghosts of the Northern Dipper who preside over killing will not register the charges and submit them to the Celestial Administration (the offices of the heavenly realm). After death one will not fall into the Cold-Ice Dark-and-Chill Hell of the infinite world of the North, and will no longer suffer for long ages the pain of sleeping in the open upon a bed of ice. When one is born again as a human being in a future life, one will also obtain joy without end.”

Thereupon the True Person Who Saves from Suffering and the assembled immortals prostrated themselves with a single mind and reverently received and upheld the teaching of Laozi.

End of Scroll Four of the Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi (Laozi Xiangming Jing).

Scroll Five of the Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi

At this time, the Most High Laozi told the True Person of Compassion and Reverence of the Northeast and the assembled immortals: “In the infinite world of Brahma-Qi of the Northeast there are the sacred images and names of one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies. Those who worship them are able to eliminate measureless sinful karma and to obtain the un……”

At this time, the Most High Lord Lao, a venerated deity of Daoism, told the True Person of Compassionate Reverence of the Northeast and the assembled immortals: in the boundless world of Brahma-Qi (Qi, vital energy) in the northeast, there are the numinous images and names of one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies. Those who worship them can eliminate immeasurable karmic offenses and obtain immeasurable blessings.

With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Northeast Who Is Compassionate and Forbearing and Saves from Suffering (the Celestial Worthy of compassion, patience, and the relief of suffering). With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Numen and Lofty Sageliness. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Central Sovereign and Great Unity. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of All-Pervading Brahma-Qi. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Yellow Court, Grand Guardian. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Three Essences and Dongshen (Cavern of Spirit). With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Great Grief Who Pities Suffering (the Celestial Worthy who deeply grieves for and compassionately regards suffering). With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Rosy Radiance and Brilliant Illumination. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Central Mystery and Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity). With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Yellow Chamber and Cavern Serenity. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Exalted Void. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Subtlety and Great Treasure. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Yellow Court and the Nine Elders. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Might Who Uproots Suffering (the Celestial Worthy who, by numinous might, uproots the sufferings of all living beings). With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Eightfold Brilliance and Vast Qi.

With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Subtlety and Great Treasure. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Yellow Court and the Nine Elders. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Might Who Uproots Suffering. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Eightfold Brilliance and Vast Qi. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Upper Radiance. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Grand Sovereign of Supreme Wonder. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light Who Protects Life. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Light Who Opens and Guides. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Flying Blossoms and Celebrated Goodness. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Returning Light to the Ultimate. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Responsive Images and Flying Light. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of No-Mind and Wondrous Form. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Six Crossings and True Countenance. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Flourishing Prosperity and the Appearance of the Dao (the Way). With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Perfection Who Contemplates the Wondrous. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Transformation Who Prolongs the True. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Bliss Hard to Surpass. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Numen and the One Qi. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Numen and the Eight Essences. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the True Elder and Auspicious Blessing. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Azure Truth and Wondrous Awakening. With sincere faith, revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Jasper-Azure Clouds and the Primordial Elder.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Pure Virtue (the venerable deity of mysterious harmony, clarity and purity, and perfected virtue).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Great Void and Ultimate Virtue (the venerable deity of perfected virtue in the highest emptiness).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Truth and the Four Extremes (the venerable deity of bright and wondrous truth who governs the ultimate realms of the four directions).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Natural Spontaneity and the Ultimate of Emptiness (the venerable deity who accords with the natural and attains the ultimate realm of emptiness and stillness).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Accumulated Blessings, Primordial Harmony, and Wondrous Celestial Awakening (the venerable deity who accumulates blessings and good fortune and embodies primordial harmony and wondrous awakening).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Antiquity amid the Azure Mist (the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Antiquity within the azure mist).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Pure Virtue.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Great Void and Ultimate Virtue.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Truth and the Four Extremes.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Natural Spontaneity and the Ultimate of Emptiness.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Accumulated Blessings and Primordial Harmony (the venerable deity who gathers blessings and good fortune and upholds the Qi (vital energy) of primordial harmony).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Widely Extends Compassion and Goodness (the venerable deity who broadly bestows loving-kindness and good deeds).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Myriad Blessings and Universal Protection (the venerable deity who bestows abundant blessings and universally protects all beings).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Compassion, Goodness, and Broad Relief (the venerable deity who, through loving-kindness and good deeds, widely relieves all beings).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Lucid Worthiness and Loving Compassion (the venerable deity who is lucid, worthy, and good, and loves all beings with compassion).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Guides the Blessed Way (the venerable deity who discloses and guides all beings onto the way of blessing).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Lets Down Light and Bestows Compassion (the venerable deity who sends down radiance and practices loving-kindness).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Reach in Eight Directions and Constant Goodness (the venerable deity who penetrates the eight directions and constantly practices goodness).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Six Harmonies and All-Penetrating Brightness (the venerable deity who comprehends and illuminates heaven, earth, and the four directions).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Deliverance from Sorrow and Vexation (the venerable deity who guides and saves all beings from sorrow and affliction).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Rides upon Affinity, Exalted as the Great Thearch (the venerable deity who receives and rides upon bonds of affinity and whose station is as exalted as that of the Great Thearch).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Primordials and the Eight Assemblies (the venerable deity associated with such Daoist celestial designations as the Seven Primordials and the Eight Assemblies).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Great Cinnabar and the Three Pure Essences (the venerable deity associated with such Daoist celestial designations as the Great Cinnabar and the Three Pure Essences).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Harmony and Precious Marks (the venerable deity who embodies the Qi of primordial harmony and is fully endowed with a majestic precious appearance).

(The scripture lists the character “zhi” [“utmost”] at this point.)

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Six Harmonies and All-Penetrating Brightness.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Deliverance from Sorrow and Vexation.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Rides upon Affinity, Exalted as the Great Thearch.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Primordials and the Eight Assemblies.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of the Great Cinnabar and the Three Pure Essences.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Harmony and Precious Marks.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Truth and Lofty Height (the venerable deity who is supremely true and loftily exalted).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Jasper Light and Numinous Radiance (the venerable deity whose light is like fine jade and who shines with numinous wonder).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the Mysterious and Abides in True Stillness (the venerable deity who comprehends the wondrous principles of the mysterious and rests in true stillness and stability).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Central Harmony, Skilled in Still Cultivation (the venerable deity who upholds central harmony and excels in the cultivation of stillness).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Esteems Compassion and Prolongs Light (the venerable deity who honors loving-kindness and causes radiance to endure).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Streaming Light and Great Brightness (the venerable deity whose radiance spreads abroad and shines with utmost brilliance).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Truth Who Streams Forth Brahma-Sounds (the venerable deity of numinous wonder and true constancy who spreads the Brahma-sounds).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Grand Tenuity Who Attains the Utmost Realm (the venerable deity who dwells in the heaven of Grand Tenuity and reaches the highest realm).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Virtue and the Great Cinnabar (the venerable deity of bright virtue, associated with the heaven of the Great Cinnabar).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy Who Courses through Light and Universally Illuminates (the venerable deity who penetrates radiance and shines upon all).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one has faith in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Workings and Wondrous Response (the venerable deity who discerns the wondrous principles of the mysterious and responds with numinous subtlety).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Flowing Radiance of Golden Truth (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the flowing, reflective light of Golden Truth).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Jade Light in Dazzling Splendor (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing jade light that blazes and a brilliance that shines upon all).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Ultimate of Taiwei (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the highest realm of the Taiwei heaven).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Luminous De and the Great Elixir (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing bright De (Virtue/Power) and the Qi (vital energy) of the Great Elixir).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Light That Shines Universally (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing light that reaches everywhere and illuminates all).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Workings and Wondrous Response (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing profound mysterious workings and numinous, wondrous resonance).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Flowing Radiance of Golden Truth.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Jade Light in Dazzling Splendor.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Casts Forth Light and Rouses Radiance (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the scattering of light and the stirring of luminous scenes).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Quells Demons and Brings Deliverance (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the subduing of demonic obstacles and the salvation of all beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Secret Radiance and Long Life (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing mysterious, wondrous lights and the Dao (the Way) of longevity).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the True and Releases Obstruction (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing attainment of the true Dao and the removal of blockage).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Sends Down Light and Shines in Splendor (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the bestowal of light and the illumination of all things).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Taihua and Settled Form (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the realm of Taihua and the settling of phenomenal appearances).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Inner Scenes Containing Harmony (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing inner visions that hold harmony within them).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Reaches the Spirits and Turns All in Transformation (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing communion with divine spirits and the transformation of all things).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Flies and Treads the Nine Voids (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing flight through the emptiness of the Nine Heavens).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Paces the Cycles of the Seven Primordials (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing movement in accordance with the recorded courses of the seven primordial stars).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Light Suddenly Revealed and Long Enduring in Radiance (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing light that appears all at once and shines for a long time).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Luminaries Prolonging the Numinous (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the seven luminaries extending numinous Qi).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Undifferentiated Formation Who Opens Transformation (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing all things coming into being undifferentiated, and the opening of teaching and transformation).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Brightness Reaching the Four Caverns (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing light that penetrates the cavern-heavens of the four directions).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Light Without Limit (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the opening of inexhaustible brightness).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Empty Mystery and Pure Radiance (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the mystery of the void and pure, clear light).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Great Space, Mysterious and Hidden (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the deep and mysterious reaches of great space).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Capital Where Blessings Gather (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the wondrous numinous capital in which auspicious blessings assemble).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Auspicious Clouds Sheltering All (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing auspicious cloud-Qi that universally covers and protects).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Luminaries Floating in the Caverns (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the seven luminaries moving through the cavern-heavens).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light Illumining the Four Quarters (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing wondrous light shining upon the four directions).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Preserves Life and Guards the Hidden Mystery (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the protection of life and of the profound, hidden realm).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Capital Where Blessings Gather.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Auspicious Clouds Sheltering All.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Luminaries Floating in the Caverns.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light Illumining the Four Quarters.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Preserves Life and Protects the Souls (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the safeguarding of life and of the hun and po souls).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Cavernous Void and Perfect Consummation (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing thorough penetration of emptiness and fulfillment to the utmost).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Expounds the Methods and Opens Transformation (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the proclamation of the methods of the Dao and the awakening of teaching).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Blossoms Brightly Reflected (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the bright reflection of cinnabar-hued radiance).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Radiance and the Sovereign One (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing radiance in circulation and passage into the realm of the Sovereign One).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Caverns of Hidden Mystery (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the opening of profound and mysterious realms).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I believe in and worship the Celestial Worthy of Mystery Universally Manifesting Numinous Radiance (the Celestial Worthy symbolizing the mysterious Dao universally displaying numinous light).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Divine Light That Sees from Afar, the Celestial Worthy who illuminates all things from afar with sacred light.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Court Who Assembles the Holy, the spirit (Shen) who gathers the holy and perfected within the Purple Court.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Skillfully Guides the Multitude of the Perfected, the Celestial Worthy who guides all the perfected spirits.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Broadly Enacted Mysterious Transformation, the Celestial Worthy who widely carries out profound and wondrous transformations.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Source That Moistens All, the Celestial Worthy who universally nourishes all things from the wondrous spiritual source.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy Who Exalts the True and Expounds the Teaching, the Celestial Worthy who honors the true Dao (the Way) and promulgates the doctrine.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Great Mystery Who Settles and Transforms, the Celestial Worthy who, by the Dao of Great Mystery (Taixuan), pacifies and nurtures all things.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Shining Radiance Who Dwells in the True, the Celestial Worthy whose brilliance shines and who abides in the realm of the True.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Precious Radiance and Penetrating Illumination, the Celestial Worthy who, with precious brilliance, sees clearly and brightly illuminates.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of the Eight Scenes Who Returns the Dawn, the Celestial Worthy who governs the phenomena of the eight directions and welcomes the light of morning.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Radiance Illumining the Rosy Clouds, the Celestial Worthy who, with full and complete radiance, shines upon the colored clouds.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere the Celestial Worthy.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Shining Radiance Who Dwells in the True, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Radiance and Penetrating Illumination, the Celestial Worthy of the Eight Scenes Who Returns the Dawn, the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Radiance Illumining the Rosy Clouds, the Celestial Worthy of Bright Light at the Utmost of Dawn (the Celestial Worthy who shines with brilliant light upon the ultimate realm of morning), the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Source Widely Suffusing (the Celestial Worthy whose wondrous source broadly moistens and nourishes), the Celestial Worthy of Golden Light and Mysterious Radiance (the Celestial Worthy who manifests wondrous brilliance through golden divine light), the Celestial Worthy Who Magnifies the True and Delivers Beings (the Celestial Worthy who propagates the true Dao and saves all living beings), the Celestial Worthy Who Commands the Host of the Perfected (the Celestial Worthy who leads all the perfected spirits), the Celestial Worthy of the Methods’ Brightness and Numinous Discernment (the Celestial Worthy who examines all things with the wondrous clarity of the Dao’s methods), the Celestial Worthy Who Illumines the Scene in the Grand Empyrean (the Celestial Worthy who shines with radiance in the realm of the Grand Empyrean, Taixiao), the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers Clarity and Redoubles Brightness (the Celestial Worthy who concentrates clear radiance and makes it still brighter), the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the True and Reveals Mysterious Simplicity (the Celestial Worthy who opens the true Dao and manifests the principle of wondrous simplicity), the Celestial Worthy of Merged Transformation and Generative Change (the Celestial Worthy who blends transformations and brings all things into being), the Celestial Worthy Who Contemplates the Mysterious and Meets in Stillness (the Celestial Worthy who realizes the wondrous Dao and returns to the realm of quietude), the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light in Pure Reflection (the Celestial Worthy who shines upon all things with pure, brilliant spiritual light), the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Florid Radiance (the Celestial Worthy whose colorful light flows and shines everywhere), the Celestial Worthy of the Source of Wisdom, Profoundly Unimpeded (the Celestial Worthy whose source of wisdom is deep and freely flowing), and the Celestial Worthy Who Concentrates in Emptiness and Rests in Good Stillness (the Celestial Worthy who concentrates the spirit in vacant stillness and abides in pure quiet).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we revere and worship the Celestial Worthy of Reflection, the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Florid Radiance, the Celestial Worthy of the Source of Wisdom, Profoundly Unimpeded, the Celestial Worthy Who Concentrates in Emptiness and Rests in Good Stillness, the Celestial Worthy of the Methods’ Light and Precious Form (the Celestial Worthy who manifests the radiance of the Dao’s methods and a majestic appearance), and the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Light That Shines Universally (the Celestial Worthy who illuminates everywhere with wondrous brightness).

The Most High Laozi says: These Celestial Worthies each manifest in forms clad in a wondrous radiance like true gold, with a soaring, brilliant circular halo shining behind the neck. They wear heaven-reaching seven-treasure crowns of hibiscus blossoms and splendid hairpins that flash with the light of clouds. They are draped in cloud-patterned robes of five-colored brocade, wear long skirts whose colors flow like cinnabar-red clouds, and tread in a pair of square shoes gleaming with precious pearls.

Each Celestial Worthy is attended by ten companies of followers: fierce troops of celestial dragons, earthly immortal Daoists, divine hosts who subdue demon kings, perfected guardians of the teaching, earth-supporting vajra warriors, celestial stalwarts and strongmen, jade lads who tend the incense, jade maidens who scatter flowers, five-colored lions, and divine kings who bear crossbows. The Celestial Worthies then tread the mist through the void and together tour the limitless worlds of the northeast, broadly delivering all sinful beings so that they enter the Dao (the Way) of peace and joy and each attain tranquility.

At this time the Most High Laozi again addressed the True Person of Compassionate Reverence (Cijing Zhenren) of the northeast, together with the assembled immortals, saying: “If you can exhort all good men and good women of the Limitless World of the northeast, so that they turn toward it with a single heart, honor it with sincere reverence, and recite and praise the sacred image-names of the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the Brahma-qi (Fanqi) of the northeast, they will gradually be able to eliminate the following karmic offenses. First, they eliminate the offense, committed by ancestors and descendants from ancient times onward, of setting nets to hunt birds and beasts. Second, they eliminate the offense of delighting in releasing hawks and harriers to seize living beings. Third, they eliminate the offense of slaughtering the six domestic animals at every seasonal festival for sacrifice and feasting. Fourth, they eliminate the offense of implicating blameless people without cause and sending them to prison. Fifth, they eliminate the offense of seizing another’s affection and tearing apart kinsfolk, bone and flesh. Sixth, they eliminate the offense of tattooing and branding the faces of bondservants so as to leave a mark. Seventh, they eliminate the offense of wrecking another’s marriage and preventing the harmonious union of husband and wife. Eighth, they eliminate the offense of bodily defilement and of offending the Three Treasures revered in Daoism—the Dao (the Way), the Jing (scriptures), and the Shi (masters). Ninth, they eliminate the offense of mocking those who suffer from madness, wind-epilepsy, and similar illnesses. Tenth, they eliminate the offense of carping and accusing, and of making it one’s special business to seek out the faults of others.

In the northeast there are these ten kinds of evil conduct, together with other karmic offenses beyond measure and bound, too many to count. If one can repent at once and eliminate these ten kinds of transgression, the deities of the Ten Upright Observances of the northeast, the emissaries of the Great Unity (Taiyi)—divine officers charged with inspecting and recording offenses—will not register these items of guilt or report them to the Celestial Bureaus (Tiancao), the offices of the heavenly realm. Thus, when one’s span of life is exhausted, one will not fall into the boiling-cauldron hell of the Limitless World of the Brahma-qi of the northeast, and will long be spared the torment of being cooked in seething broth. Every part of the body will remain whole, the six viscera will be pure, and one may roam freely in the Purple Chambers (Zifang), the dwellings of the immortals, and dwell at ease in the Cinnabar Gate-towers (Danque), the palaces of the immortals.

If one is born again as a human being, one will be able to become a teacher and model for others, transforming living beings and leading them into the Dharma-aspect (Faxiang), the realm of the methods of the Dao. All of this comes from receiving above the gracious favor of the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the Brahma-qi of the northeast, and it also answers the wish of these men and women to take refuge with sincere hearts.”

Thereupon the True Person of Compassionate Reverence and the assembled immortals snapped their fingers and bowed their heads in salute, reverently accepting the teaching.

End of Scroll Five of the Scripture of the Image-Names of Laozi (Laozi Xiangming Jing)

7—Scroll Nine of the Scripture of the Image-Names of Laozi

Scroll Nine of the Scripture of the Image-Names of Laozi

At that time, the Most High Lord Lao said to the Perfected Who Prolongs Life of the Upper Realm and the assembled immortals: “In the Limitless World of Brahma-Qi (Fanqi) above, there are three hundred and twenty Heavenly Worthies (Tianzun). The titles of their numinous images are as follows. Those who worship them may extinguish measureless karmic offenses and obtain measureless blessings.”

What follows are the titles of the Heavenly Worthies to be worshipped. “With wholehearted faith and reverence” means to turn toward them in homage and bow in worship with a sincere, respectful, and concentrated mind:

With wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Compassion Who Relieves Suffering; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Austere Purity and Forbearance in the Dharma; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Responsive Transformation and Awesome Power; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Fearlessness and Brahma-Form; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Sea of Wisdom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Measureless Treasury of the Dharma; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Great Compassion and the Myriad Virtues; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Mysterious—with faithful reverence, the Heavenly Worthy of Fearlessness and Brahma-Form; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Sea of Wisdom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Measureless Treasury of the Dharma; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Great Compassion and the Myriad Virtues; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Subtlety and Spontaneous Freedom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Boundless Perfect Awakening; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Gentle Harmony and Wondrous Treasure; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Majestic Dignity and Awesome Power; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Radiant Light and Supreme De (Virtue/Power); with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Dharma Bridge and Great Deliverance; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who Opens and Reveals the Wondrous Gate; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who Broadly Opens the Way and Preserves Life; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who Protects Souls and Compassionately Saves; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Karmic Conditions and Salvific Deliverance; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Streaming Light and Joy in the Dharma; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Jade Perfection and Loving Compassion; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Awesome Holiness Who Transforms the Ordinary; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Constant Peace, Concentration, and Wisdom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Cavernous Void and Compassionate Regard; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Faith and Wisdom Who Fashions Completion; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who Increases Superior Wisdom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to Merit—homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Jade Perfection and Loving Compassion; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Awesome Holiness Who Transforms the Ordinary; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Constant Peace, Concentration, and Wisdom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Cavernous Void and Compassionate Regard; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Faith and Wisdom Who Fashions Completion; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who Increases Superior Wisdom; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Meritorious De and Austere Purity; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Precious Light and Compassionate Salvation; with wholehearted faith and reverence, homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Undifferentiated Completion and Everlasting Joy.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Universal Clarity and Loving Kindness, praying that the heart-mind may be clear and pure, and that compassion may reach all.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Rides the Light in Goodness and Stillness, praying to ride upon radiance and abide in goodness and purity.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Ever-Increasing Supreme Wisdom, praying that wisdom may grow without ceasing and become more lofty each day.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Aspect and Freedom, praying that light may manifest and one's conduct be free and unhindered.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Golden Truth Who Delivers Life, praying that life may be delivered through the Dao (the Way) of Golden Truth.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Good Concentration and Profound Penetration, praying to abide in good concentration and to comprehend the principles of the profound and subtle.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Bestows Compassion and Universal Salvation, praying that compassion may be widely bestowed and all beings rescued.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Wondrous Traces Entering the Subtle, praying that marvelous traces of conduct may penetrate the deep and hidden places.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Secluded Stillness Penetrating the Obscure, praying to comprehend the principles of the obscure within a realm of profound quiet and purity.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Thorough Clarity and Lofty Mystery, praying to see through to and fully grasp the lofty and profound principles.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Long Life and Ten Thousand Good Deeds, praying for long life and enduring vision, and for the practice of countless good deeds.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Supreme Emptiness, Stillness, and Wonder, praying to reach the realm that is utterly empty, pure, and profoundly subtle.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of True Wandering in the Highest Heights, praying that the Shen (spirit) may wander in a realm that is true and lofty.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Great Cavern Penetrating Truth, praying to comprehend the Great Dao and accord with what is true.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Far-Reaching Flow of the Dharma, praying that the teachings of the Dao may spread widely, and that near and far may be nourished by them.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Treasury of Lofty De (Virtue), praying to accumulate noble conduct, as deep and rich as treasure.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Accomplished Wisdom and Clear Insight, praying that wisdom may be fulfilled and the mind be clear and penetrating.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Fitting Response Without Doubt, praying to do good in accord with each occasion and to hold no doubt in the heart.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Constancy Consolidated and Life Transformed, praying to concentrate the Shen and keep to the constant, thereby transforming life.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Universal Light Exhorting to Goodness, praying to spread light everywhere and to guide all toward goodness.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Accomplished Wisdom and Clear Insight, praying that wisdom may be fulfilled and the mind be clear and penetrating.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Fitting Response Without Doubt, praying to do good in accord with each occasion and to hold no doubt in the heart.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Constancy Consolidated and Life Transformed, praying to concentrate the Shen and keep to the constant, thereby transforming life.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Universal Light Exhorting to Goodness, praying to spread light everywhere and to guide all toward goodness.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Profound De and Firm Vows, praying to strengthen one's vows through profound virtue.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Gathers the Perfected and Responds with Manifestation, praying to gather all the perfected ones and have them appear in response to sincere feeling.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Wondrous Accomplishment and Perfect Practice, praying that the marvelous methods may be accomplished and cultivation made complete.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Compassionate Transformation and Deliverance, praying to teach and deliver all beings with a compassionate heart.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Dragon Virtue and Majestic Power, praying to be fully endowed with the virtue of the dragon and with majestic power.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Ten Thousand Changes in Responsive Embodiment, praying to manifest, as conditions allow, every kind of responsive incarnation.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Constantly Bestows Many Good Deeds, praying to perform all manner of good deeds without cease.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Dignified Bearing Who Opens the Way to Deliverance, praying to instruct and lead beings with solemn and dignified conduct.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of True Purity, Goodness, and Sincerity, praying to remain true, pure, good, and sincere.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Penetrating Spirit and Pure Deliverance, praying to perceive the principles of the numinous and subtle, and to deliver beings through the pure teachings of the Dao.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Upright De Who Protects Blessings, praying to rectify one's conduct and safeguard good fortune.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Secluded Stillness Keeping the Constant, praying to hold fast to the constant Dao within profound quiet and purity.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Pure Land Opening Auspicious Affinities, praying to open up good affinities leading to a realm of purity.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Skillful Expedients Widely Spread, praying that skillful and expedient methods may be widely disseminated.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Empty Clarity and Great Magnanimity, praying that the mind may be empty, still, and clear, and the heart broad.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Majestic De and Fearlessness, praying to be endowed with dignified virtue and to be without fear within.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Constant Peace and Wondrous Practice, praying to remain ever at peace and to cultivate the wondrous practice of the Dao.

I believe with utmost sincerity and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) who accords with beings’ capacities and exhorts people to do good; I reverently honor with utmost sincerity the Celestial Worthy who responds to the karmic affinities and capacities of all living beings; and I reverently honor with utmost sincerity the Celestial Worthy of the Great Treasury of Wondrous Sound, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Radiance and Victorious Dharma, the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom, Stillness, and Adorned Light, the Celestial Worthy of Inexhaustible Vow-Power, the Celestial Worthy of Universal Vision Hard to Surpass, the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom-Contemplation and Solar Splendor, the Celestial Worthy of the Treasure Store and Lunar Conveyance, the Celestial Worthy of the Pure King of Complete Fulfillment, the Celestial Worthy Able to Transcend Discriminating Cleverness, the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Illumination and Contemplative Insight, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Accumulation and Immortal Brahma-Sound, the Celestial Worthy of the Flying Wheel Who Treads the Ages, the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Assembly Who Converts and Delivers, the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery and Great Simplicity (Taisu), the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Form and Golden Blossom, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Truth, the Great Thearch, the Celestial Worthy of Victorious Light and Universal Salvation, the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wisdom Contemplating Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Conditions for Concentration and Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Bearing and Wondrous Marks, the Celestial Worthy of Cavern-Primordial Radiance and Response (Dongyuan), the Celestial Worthy of Myriad Virtues Equal Among All Orders, the Celestial Worthy of the Great Void and Penetrating Illumination, the Celestial Worthy of Empty Countenance and Accumulated Good, the Celestial Worthy, Dharma King of Sympathetic Response, the Celestial Worthy of Marvelous Dharma Who Guards the True, the Celestial Worthy of Emptiness-Understanding and the Ocean of Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of Flying Mystery and the Dharma Treasury, the Celestial Worthy of Awesome Transformation and Spiritual Powers, and the Worthy Who Opens Illumination of the Essential Purport.

“Zhixin xinli” means to believe in and pay homage with a heart of utmost sincerity. The scripture invokes the names of the various Celestial Worthies in sequence, expressing veneration and reverence; some of these names appear more than once in the text.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Soaring Mystery and the Dharma Treasury, the venerable deity who proclaims the subtle methods of the Dao (the Way) and safeguards the scriptures (Jing).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Transformation and Spiritual Powers, the venerable deity possessed of awe-inspiring transformations and supernatural powers.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Clarifies the Essential Teachings, the venerable deity who elucidates the essentials of the doctrine.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Skillful Response and Empty Stillness, the venerable deity who responds and transforms with skill while remaining inwardly empty and still.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Unsurpassed and Most Excellent Celestial Worthy, the venerable deity who is supreme above all and the most extraordinary.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Proclaims the Mysterious Supreme Teaching, the venerable deity who proclaims the subtle and highest teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Saves Broadly According to Place, the venerable deity who, in keeping with different places, widely delivers living beings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of True Understanding Who Subdues Demons, the venerable deity who, by true wisdom, subdues demonic obstacles.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Realizes Emptiness and Is Endowed with Faith and Wisdom, the venerable deity who embodies the principle of emptiness and is fully possessed of faith and wisdom.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Whose Grace of the Dharma Spreads Widely, the venerable deity who causes the gracious benefit of the methods of the Dao to reach living beings far and wide.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Enduring Existence Who Rides the Radiance, the venerable deity who abides forever without perishing and travels by riding the light.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Ever Transforms Beings through Goodness, the venerable deity who constantly nurtures and transforms the myriad things by the way of goodness.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the Empty Cavern and Great Non-Being, the venerable deity who embodies the realm of vast and profound emptiness, formless and without bounds.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Brings Causes and Conditions to Meet, the venerable deity who brings about the coming together of karmic conditions.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Precious Wisdom and Longevity, the venerable deity possessed of precious wisdom and of long life without extinction.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Subtlety and Original Form, the venerable deity who embodies the mysterious true aspect of the source of all things.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of True Nature, Ever One, the venerable deity whose true nature is constant and who is united with the Dao.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Ultimacy and Gathered Harmony, the venerable deity who attains the realm of utmost mystery and of condensed, harmonious union.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Streaming Radiance and Discerning Illumination, the venerable deity whose light spreads abroad and who clearly discerns and surveys.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of True Subtlety and Limpid Mystery, the venerable deity who is genuine and mysterious, clear and profound.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom, De (Virtue/Power), and Compassionate Goodness, the venerable deity fully endowed with wisdom, virtuous conduct, and a compassionate and kindly heart.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the Source of the Dharma Who Responds According to Conditions, the venerable deity who, relying on the source of the methods of the Dao, responds and transforms as circumstances arise.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy, the Mysterious Artisan of Majestic Adornment, the venerable deity who, by the subtle power of the Dao, brings to completion a realm of majestic dignity.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I reverently honor the Celestial Worthy.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Ultimacy and Gathered Harmony, the Celestial Worthy of Streaming Radiance and Discerning Illumination, the Celestial Worthy of True Subtlety and Limpid Mystery, the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom, De, and Compassionate Goodness, the Celestial Worthy of the Source of the Dharma Who Responds According to Conditions, and the Celestial Worthy, the Mysterious Artisan of Majestic Adornment.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Skillfully Guides and Awakens the Unenlightened, the venerable deity skilled at guiding others and opening the minds of those in ignorance.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy, the Exalted Sage Who Magnifies Benevolence, the exalted and holy venerable deity who promotes the virtue of humaneness.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Is Fearless and Skilled at Instruction, the venerable deity who fears nothing and is adept at teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Proclaims and Spreads Wondrous Transformation, the venerable deity who disseminates subtle transformative teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Ferries and Delivers the Four Modes of Birth, the venerable deity who saves living beings born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, and by transformation.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Leads into the Teaching, the venerable deity who opens the way and guides living beings into the methods of the Daoist teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma King Who Responds in the World, the venerable deity who manifests in response within the world and presides over the teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Whose Precious De Extends Everywhere, the venerable deity whose precious virtue reaches every place.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy Who Resonates with Capacities and Covers Conditions, the venerable deity who responds to the karmic circumstances of living beings and bestows protection upon them.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Clouds Who Sends Down Blessings, the venerable deity who, by means of awe-inspiring and auspicious clouds, sends down blessings and grace.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Kind Protection Who Forsakes None, the venerable deity who compassionately protects living beings and does not abandon any one of them.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom’s Measure and True Ultimacy, the venerable deity whose wisdom is deep and vast and who attains the realm of what is true and ultimate.

Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Immortal Roaming in Pure Subtlety (the Celestial Worthy who roams as an immortal in the pure and subtle realm). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Kalpa and Saves Beings (the Celestial Worthy who inaugurates the kalpic cycles and delivers all living beings). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Illumination and Perfect Fulfillment (the Celestial Worthy who comprehends all things with luminous clarity and whose merit is complete). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Jade Radiance and Pure Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy whose light shines like jade and whose wisdom is pure). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Intent and Surpassing Eminence (the Celestial Worthy whose mind is precious and who excels above all).

Reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Roaming in Pure Subtlety. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Kalpa and Saves Beings. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Illumination and Perfect Fulfillment. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Jade Radiance and Pure Wisdom. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Precious Intent and Surpassing Eminence.

Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of the Limitless and Mysterious Subtlety (the Celestial Worthy whose realm is boundless and mysteriously profound). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Streaming Light and Universal Longevity (the Celestial Worthy whose radiance spreads abroad and who bestows long life upon all). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Mystery and Lofty Excellence (the Celestial Worthy who is supremely mysterious, exalted, and extraordinary). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Supreme De (Virtue/Power) and Utmost Truth (the Celestial Worthy whose virtue is lofty and whose purity is absolute). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Manifests a Wondrous Radiant Form (the Celestial Worthy who displays a wondrous appearance shining with light). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Sagely Wisdom Soaring into the Mysterious (the Celestial Worthy possessed of sagely wisdom who ascends into the mysterious realm). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Transcends to Ascend the Precious Sea (the Celestial Worthy who rises beyond the dusty world and enters the precious sea of the sacred teaching). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Starlike Light and Supreme Goodness (the Celestial Worthy who shines like the stars and whose wholesome virtue is lofty). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Qianlin Who Inspires Sagehood (the Celestial Worthy who inspires the way of sagely illumination). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Truth and Vast De (the Celestial Worthy who is divinely true and whose virtuous grace is far-reaching).

Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Features and a Golden Countenance (the Celestial Worthy whose features are complete and whose face is like gold). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Jade Brilliance and Precious Radiance (the Celestial Worthy who shines like jade and casts precious light upon all). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Accords with Truth without Hindrance (the Celestial Worthy who accords with the true Dao (the Way) and penetrates without obstruction). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of the Profound, Subtle Wisdom of the Dao (the Celestial Worthy who possesses deep and subtle wisdom of the Dao). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Truth without Obstruction (the Celestial Worthy who is divinely true and free of all hindrance). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Response in Accord with the Natural (the Celestial Worthy who responds and transforms mysteriously, in harmony with what is natural). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Awakening and Great Completion (the Celestial Worthy whose awakening is subtle and whose accomplishment is perfect). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Forgets Merit and Attains the Utmost Profundity (the Celestial Worthy who does not cling to achievements and who penetrates the most profound principles). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Good Wisdom Who Prolongs Life (the Celestial Worthy who possesses wholesome wisdom and extends life). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Exalted Spirit and Lofty Subtlety (the Celestial Worthy whose spiritual nature is exalted and whose realm is lofty and wondrous).

Devoutly and reverently, one offers worship. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Awakening and Great Completion. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Forgets Merit and Attains the Utmost Profundity. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Good Wisdom Who Prolongs Life. Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Exalted Spirit and Lofty Subtlety.

Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Portal Who Illumines Vastly (the Celestial Worthy who dwells in the Golden Portal and whose light shines far and wide). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of All-Pervading Mysterious De (the Celestial Worthy whose virtue spreads everywhere and is mysterious and profound). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Adamantine, Limpid, and Still (the Celestial Worthy who is firm and indestructible, clear and quiescent). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of the Empty Mark in Stately Dignity (the Celestial Worthy who manifests the mark of emptiness and whose bearing is solemn). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of the Empty Mind Who Confers Blessings (the Celestial Worthy who is empty, still, and humble, and who brings good fortune). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy of Pure Wisdom, Root of De (the Celestial Worthy who takes pure wisdom as the root of virtue). Devoutly and reverently, one worships the Celestial Worthy Who Established the Norms at the Kalpa’s Beginning (the Celestial Worthy who set down the laws and measures at the opening of the kalpic cycle).

Here the refrain “wholehearted faith and worship” is used again and again to express sincere belief and reverent worship. The titles of the various Celestial Worthies mostly praise their sacred merits with words of light, wisdom, De, purity, and salvation.

With wholehearted faith and reverence (believing in and paying homage with a heart of utmost sincerity), the Celestial Worthy of Universal Awareness and Constant Purity (the Celestial Worthy who knows all things and ever abides in purity).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of the Pivot of the Dao (the Way) and Adaptive Response (the Celestial Worthy who understands the essentials of the Great Dao and can respond and transform according to conditions).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of True Sovereignty and Wondrous Bliss (the Celestial Worthy who holds the way of true lordship and the peace and joy of the wondrous realm).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of the Great Cavern, Mysterious and Empty (the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the vast and deep realm of mystery and emptiness).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Supreme De (Virtue/Power) and Penetrating Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy fully endowed with the highest virtue and with penetrating wisdom).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Spreads the Light of Transformation (the Celestial Worthy who widely propagates luminous teaching).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Whose Awesome Authority Commands the Myriad Spirits (the Celestial Worthy who, by majestic ritual power, governs all spirits).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy in Profound Accord with Sagely Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy who deeply accords with the wisdom of the sages).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Vast Silence and Mysterious Stillness (the Celestial Worthy who is silent and far-reaching, mysterious and without words).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Clear Majesty Who Governs the World (the Celestial Worthy who orders the world by clear discernment and awesome virtue).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Great Fulfillment and the Benefit of the Teaching (the Celestial Worthy who brings to completion a vast benefit of the teaching).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Sovereign of the Void (the exalted lord within the realm of emptiness).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Radiance in Layered Light (the Celestial Worthy whose wondrous brilliance shines forth layer upon layer).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Surpassing Wisdom and the True Essentials (the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom excels and who grasps the essentials of the true Dao).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Holds Light Within and Penetrates Deep Tranquility (the Celestial Worthy who contains light within and reaches what is deep, remote, and at peace).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of the Gathering Mirror and Flowing Light (the Celestial Worthy who, like a bright mirror, gathers and reflects all things, and whose light spreads abroad).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery and Hidden De (the Celestial Worthy whose realm is lofty, far, and mysterious, and whose virtue lies deeply concealed).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Harmonious Emptiness Who Conceals His Traces (the Celestial Worthy whose heart is harmonious, empty, and still, and who conceals form, traces, and brilliance).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Vast Rescue Who Delivers Living Beings (the Celestial Worthy who widely practices salvation and liberates all beings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Great and Upright Seed-Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy fully possessed of vast right wisdom and conversant with the root of all teachings).

With faith, pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy Who Holds Light Within and Penetrates Deep Tranquility (paying homage in faith to the Celestial Worthy who contains light within and reaches what is deep, remote, and at peace).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of the Gathering Mirror and Flowing Light (paying homage to the Celestial Worthy who, like a bright mirror, reflects things, and whose light spreads abroad).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery and Hidden De (paying homage to the Celestial Worthy whose realm is lofty and far, and whose virtue is deeply concealed).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Harmonious Emptiness Who Conceals His Traces (paying homage to the Celestial Worthy who is harmonious, empty, and still, and who conceals form, traces, and brilliance).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Vast Rescue Who Delivers Living Beings (paying homage to the Celestial Worthy who widely practices salvation and liberates all beings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Great and Upright Seed-Wisdom (paying homage to the Celestial Worthy fully possessed of vast wisdom and conversant with the root of all teachings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Divine Powers Universally Extended (the Celestial Worthy whose spiritual powers are vast and who universally protects all beings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Empty Subtlety and Enduring Vision (the Celestial Worthy who discerns the hidden and minute and contemplates without cease).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Raises Beings Beyond the Flawed and Bound (the Celestial Worthy who helps living beings transcend realms that are defective and bound by affliction).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Accumulates and Perfects Mysterious Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy who gathers and brings to completion wondrous wisdom).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Manifests Form in the Qianlin (the Celestial Worthy who reveals his form in the Qianlin; the Qianlin is, in Daoist legend, a forest of the immortal realm).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Increases Blessing and Transforms Living Beings (the Celestial Worthy who advances merit and wisdom and nurtures all beings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Wisdom and Empty Embrace (the Celestial Worthy fully endowed with precious wisdom, empty, still, and all-embracing).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Deep Tranquility Who Dispels Demons (the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the way of the profound and pure and removes demonic obstructions).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Emptiness and Precious Shelter (the Celestial Worthy who, by the virtue of mystery, emptiness, and stillness, shelters all beings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Excellence and True Purity (the Celestial Worthy who is supremely subtle and truly pure).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Clarifies the Shen (spirit) and Refines the Shadow (the Celestial Worthy who purifies mind and spirit and cultivates form and shadow; “refining the shadow” refers, in Daoist practice, to the training of form and spirit).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Blessing in Enduring Flow (the Celestial Worthy whose wondrous blessings and felicity continue and are transmitted without cease).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Subdues Demons by Awesome Power and Manifests Transformations (the Celestial Worthy who by mighty power overcomes demonic obstructions and displays transformations).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Matches Things and Conditions (the Celestial Worthy who accords with things and with the moment).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy Who Rides the Void and Skillfully Guides (the Celestial Worthy who travels by riding emptiness and is skilled at guiding living beings).

With wholehearted faith and reverence, the Celestial Worthy of Jade Light and Pure De (the Celestial Worthy lustrous as jade and pure in virtue).

With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) whose majestic virtue none can equal. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is profound and mysterious, clear, pure, and still. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is supremely mysterious, the numinous and wondrous source. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who transcends the mundane and fully comprehends the sacred Dao (the Way). With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who proclaims the teaching through compassion and forbearance. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who awakens and instructs, guiding living beings who have lost their way.

With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Huangting Taiji Celestial Worthy (the venerable deity associated with the Yellow Court and Taiji, the Supreme Ultimate). With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who subdues demons and obstacles and rescues those in suffering. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the teaching Celestial Worthy who contemplates in stillness and embodies emptiness. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who awakens and instructs, guiding living beings who have lost their way. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Huangting Taiji Celestial Worthy. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who subdues demons and obstacles and rescues those in suffering. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who contemplates in stillness and embodies emptiness.

With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is upright and pure, numinous and unfathomable. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who in silence realizes the profound and mysterious principle. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Ziji Taiyuan Celestial Worthy (the venerable deity associated with the Purple Tenuity heaven and the primordial original Qi, vital energy). With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who holds light within and universally makes vows. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who, within the Great Void, contains the myriad wonders. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is harmoniously balanced and subtle, full and perfect as the moon. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Yuanhuang Celestial Worthy, exalted through having passed through vast kalpas. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who saves living beings and presides over the methods of the Dao. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who esteems the mysterious principle and concentrates Shen (spirit) in stillness.

With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Baolin Miaoxing Celestial Worthy (symbolizing precious and sublime cultivation). With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who responds freely to change and skillfully employs expedient means. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom pervades everywhere and whose true countenance is revealed. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who conceals his name and title and has accumulated formless De (Virtue/Power). With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of great compassion and great love who bestows grace upon all living beings. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose mysterious De and wisdom lie deeply hidden. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of awakened wisdom who wondrously transforms the primordial source.

With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the Nameless and of Hidden De. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of great compassion and great love who bestows grace upon all living beings. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy whose mysterious De and wisdom lie deeply hidden. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of awakened wisdom who wondrously transforms the primordial source. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of a kindly countenance and a clear, pure dharma-form. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who accords with the true Dao and is as exalted as Taiyi, the Great One. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of vast majestic radiance, free of all obstruction. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who is lofty, sagely, and luminous, penetrating and bright. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the Dao of the Mysterious Origin, who transforms and brings forth life in wondrous ways. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of empty, still wisdom, concentrated and everlasting. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who skillfully employs expedient methods to rescue living beings. With utmost sincerity, I believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the true Dao and whose resonance reaches all.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Bestowal of All Goodness, praying that he compassionately bestow good fortune upon all living beings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Fragrant Light and Forbearance, praying that, by the virtue of fragrant purity and radiant light, he calmly endure all sufferings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Concentrated Shen (spirit) and Mysterious Awakening, praying that he gather mind and Shen and penetrate to a mysterious and subtle awakening.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and No-Self, praying that he hold a vast compassionate heart, forget the self, and benefit all living beings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Circulating Transformation and Subtle Light, praying that he turn the cycles of change and manifest subtle radiance.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Empty Penetration and Ample Capacity, praying that he be empty, still, and penetrating, his conduct of De (Virtue/Power) and his measure vast and great.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Great Beneficence and Manifold Goodness, praying that he widely bestow grace and bring numerous good deeds to fulfillment.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Oceanic and Boundless Capacity, praying that his heart be like the sea, vast and without shore.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Light, Lofty and Mysterious, praying that he possess the lofty, profound, and mysterious De of light.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Constant Abiding amid the Illusory, praying that he ever dwell in the realm of emptiness and stillness and understand that all phenomena are illusory and unreal.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Subtlety with De as the Root, praying that he realize the profound and subtle principle and take the practice of De as the foundation.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Spirit Who Delivers Life, praying that he shine with numinous light and save all living beings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers Goodness and Opens the Teaching, praying that he assemble good deeds and reveal the essential purport of the teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Emptiness and True Appearance, praying that he realize the principle of wondrous emptiness and make manifest the true and original form.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of All-Embracing Breadth and Ample Capacity, praying that his heart be generous and tolerant and that the measure of his De be vast.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom, Reverence, Mysterious Subtlety, and De as the Root, praying that, through wisdom and reverent courtesy, he realize the mysterious and subtle principle and take the practice of De as the foundation.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Spirit Who Delivers Life, praying that he shine with numinous light and save all living beings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers Goodness and Opens the Teaching, praying that he assemble good deeds and reveal the essential purport of the teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Emptiness and True Appearance, praying that he realize the principle of wondrous emptiness and make manifest the true and original form.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of All-Embracing Breadth and Ample Capacity, praying that his heart be generous and tolerant and that the measure of his De be vast.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Treasured Wisdom and Subtle Attainment, praying that he store wisdom within and penetrate the obscure and subtle principle.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom That Understands Empty Quiescence, praying that through wisdom he comprehend the principle of emptiness and stillness.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Illumines the Hidden and Mysterious, praying that his light everywhere shine through the deep and mysterious realm.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Whose Teaching Is Rooted in Empty Concentration, praying that he take empty stillness and settled concentration as the foundation and realize the principles of the teaching.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Heavenly Treasure and Spontaneous Freedom, praying that he be free and unhindered and fully possess a power of De like a treasure bestowed by Heaven.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom That Brings Great Fulfillment, praying that through wisdom he achieve perfection.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Equal and Kind Response, praying that he treat all living beings impartially and respond benevolently to what they seek.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Light and Aids All Things, praying that he open forth the light and rescue the myriad things.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Measureless Salvation from Suffering, praying that with measureless compassion he rescue and lift beings out of suffering.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Rests in Stillness and Mysterious Silence, praying that he abide in purity and quiet, silent in Wuwei (non-action), and accord with the mysterious principle.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Pure Subtlety and Realized Awakening, praying that he realize the realm of purity, stillness, and subtlety.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Abyssal Clarity and Penetrating Illumination, praying that the state of his mind be deep and limpid and that he see clearly into all things.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Great Brightness That Understands Emptiness, praying that through vast light he penetrate the principle of emptiness and quiescence.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Clarity and Wondrous Wisdom, praying that he possess lofty, far-reaching, pure, and subtle wisdom.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Conditions of Salvation and Universally Rescues, praying that he broadly open the causes and conditions for saving living beings and extend rescue to all.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Measureless Wondrous Bodies, praying that he manifest measureless and subtle transformation bodies.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Appearances in Ten Thousand Transformations, praying that his radiant form be able to display every manner of change.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Purple Void and Mysterious Sanctity, praying that he manifest the mysterious and sacred De within the purple Qi (vital energy) of empty space.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy Who Flies Through the Void with Surpassing Wisdom, praying that he roam free through the void and surpass all through wisdom.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Dawn Illumining the Radiance, praying that he shine with brilliance like the Jade Dawn.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Pure Treasure and the Great Void, praying that he fully possess pure and precious De and accord with the vast emptiness of space.

Finally, with a heart of utmost sincerity, one believes in and worships the Celestial Worthy of Measureless Wondrous Bodies.

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Luminous Forms in Myriad Transformations (the Celestial Worthy whose manifested forms of light change without end).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Void and Mysterious Holiness (the Celestial Worthy who dwells in the purple void, mysterious, sagely, and luminous).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Flies Through the Void with Surpassing Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy who flies through the air, whose wisdom is supreme).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Jade Dawn and Radiant Splendor (the Celestial Worthy clear as jade, whose brilliance shines forth).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Pure Treasure and the Great Void (the Celestial Worthy who corresponds to the pure Dharma treasure and the vast void).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Numen Who Discerns and Bestows Grace (the Celestial Worthy who discerns the primordial spiritual nature and possesses wisdom and beneficence).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Ocean Void and Discriminating Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom is like the sea and who excels in discernment).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Exalted Supremacy and Wondrous Light (the Celestial Worthy noble and supreme, who radiates subtle light).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Good Vows and Universal Voice (the Celestial Worthy who universally conveys the sound of good vows).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Rarefied and Subtle and of Majestic De (Virtue/Power) (the Celestial Worthy who embodies the hidden, subtle Great Dao (the Way) and possesses awe-inspiring virtue).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Compassion Who Protects and Saves (the Celestial Worthy who, with compassion, protects and delivers all beings).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Upright Stillness and Pure Conduct (the Celestial Worthy of dignified, tranquil bearing who cultivates pure practice).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Good Admonition and Purity (the Celestial Worthy who admonishes with wholesome words and is pure and undefiled).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Numina and Correct Practice (the Celestial Worthy in whom immortal spirits manifest and who follows the correct Dao).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Giving Who Promotes Good (the Celestial Worthy who gives with compassion and undertakes good deeds).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Power Beyond Conception (the Celestial Worthy whose mighty power is vast and difficult to fathom).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Follows Conditions and Responds to Things (the Celestial Worthy who accords with causal conditions and responds to the myriad things).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Constant Abiding, Wisdom, and Capacity (the Celestial Worthy who ever abides and is fully endowed with wisdom and ability).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of True Roaming and Original Practice (the Celestial Worthy who roams by the true Dao and carries out authentic, original conduct).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Three Vehicles Who Penetrates the Ultimate (the Three Vehicles are methods of cultivation at different levels; the Celestial Worthy who thoroughly comprehends their principles and reaches the ultimate realm).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Accumulates Thought and Communes with the Numinous (the Celestial Worthy who gathers the power of concentrated thought and reaches subtle numinous realms).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Void Sovereign and Wondrous Treasure (the honored celestial sovereign within the void, the Celestial Worthy precious as the jewel of the wondrous Dharma).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Everlasting Joy Who Abides Alone (the Celestial Worthy of constant peace and joy who endures independently).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Pervades and Threads the Vast Kalpas (the Celestial Worthy who extends throughout and penetrates the long ages of kalpas).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Fragrant Grove Who Manifests a Distinguished Form (the Celestial Worthy who manifests a supreme form like fragrant, pure trees).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wuwei (non-action) Who Universally Saves (the Celestial Worthy who accords with natural Wuwei and universally relieves all beings).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Protects Life and Enables Higher Rebirth (the Celestial Worthy who protects life and enables beings to ascend and be reborn).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and De Beyond Compare (the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom and virtue are without equal).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Dao-Wisdom at the Highest Extreme (the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom of the Dao reaches the supreme realm).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Solemn Dignity and Pure Conduct (the Celestial Worthy of majestic bearing who cultivates pure practice).

Reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wuwei Who Universally Saves.

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Protects Life and Enables Higher Rebirth.

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and De Beyond Compare.

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Dao-Wisdom at the Highest Extreme.

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Solemn Dignity and Pure Conduct.

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Equality Who Skillfully Saves (the Celestial Worthy who treats all beings equally and charitably rescues them).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Ocean Treasury Without End (the Celestial Worthy deep, vast, and inexhaustible as the ocean treasury).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Expounds the Holy and Opens the Primordial Origin (the Celestial Worthy who proclaims the holy Dao and opens the original source).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Prolongs Blessings, Precious and Divine (the Celestial Worthy who extends blessings and is honored as a treasure).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Flourishing Prosperity and Wondrous Transformation (the Celestial Worthy who brings flourishing prosperity and skillfully carries out wondrous transformation).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Many Virtues Universally Manifest (the Celestial Worthy who causes the many virtues to appear universally).

With wholehearted sincerity, believe in and reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Sound Who Expounds and Proclaims (the Celestial Worthy who, with numinous sound, proclaims and sets forth the Great Dao).

With a heart of utmost sincerity and reverence, one has faith in and pays worship to the Celestial Worthy of Floral Ascent Who Delivers Immortals (Tianzun)—the Celestial Worthy who saves and transforms living beings amid golden floral radiance—the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Countenance Who Responds, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Intent in Constant Stillness, the Celestial Worthy Who Contemplates and Illuminates the Void, the Celestial Worthy of the Six Penetrations and Realized Awakening, the Celestial Worthy of Illuminating Function and Perfect Brightness, the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Subtle Profundity, the Celestial Worthy Who Differentiates Forms and Penetrates De (Virtue/Power), and the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Numen, Upright and Still.

The Celestial Worthy of the Six Penetrations and Realized Awakening, the Celestial Worthy of Illuminating Function and Perfect Brightness, the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Subtle Profundity, the Celestial Worthy Who Differentiates Forms and Penetrates De, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Numen, Upright and Still, the Celestial Worthy of Measureless Great Deliverance, the Celestial Worthy of Calm Vastness and Wuwei (non-action), the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Perfection in Secluded Stillness, the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Female in Vacuous Concentration, the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Summit of Great Completion, the Celestial Worthy of Accumulated Teachings and Radiant Light, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Blossoms, Adorned and Pure, the Celestial Worthy Who Appears in Response with a Constant Countenance, the Celestial Worthy of Universal Illumination Who Responds to Conditions, the Celestial Worthy Who Ever Bestows Majestic De, the Celestial Worthy Who Courses Everywhere to Relieve Suffering, the Celestial Worthy Who, When Invoked, Delivers Those Born into Drought, the Celestial Worthy Who Enters Concentration and Embodies the Constant, and the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Sound and Silent Resonance.

The Most High Laozi said: These Celestial Worthies are perfect and complete in form and appearance. With attendants and guards beside them, they lead countless disciples and are found throughout the boundless worlds above. They widely proclaim the teachings of the Great Vehicle, set forth the essentials of cultivating the Dao (the Way), and save all guilty and suffering beings, freeing them from suffering so that they obtain peace and joy.

At this time, the Most High Laozi told the Perfected of Extended Longevity of the upper regions and the assembled immortals: “If you are able to teach and transform all living beings in the boundless worlds above—whether those who have left home to cultivate the Dao or ordinary people who remain in the household, men…”

At that time, the Most Exalted Laozi said to the Perfected One of Prolonging Life of the upper realm and the assembled immortals: “If you can teach and transform all living beings in the boundless world of the upper realm—whether those who have left the household or laypeople, men or women—and lead them all to turn with sincere hearts toward the methods of the Dao (the Way), devoting themselves to reverent salutation and to praising and extolling the sacred images and names of the three hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the boundless world of Brahma-Qi (Fanqi) in the upper realm, then the retribution for offenses that living beings bear through the cycle of birth and death can be eliminated.

This can also eliminate the offenses they committed in the past: violating the precepts they themselves have received and uphold; kneeling in worship of the god of the soil and the stove god and performing sacrifices; putting faith in shamans and in evil gods, ghosts, and demons; sharing a bed with laypeople who do not observe the precepts; discussing others’ strengths and shortcomings and exposing their private affairs; men and women mingling together and doing what is improper; forging documents and falsely accusing the innocent; reviling heaven and earth, the sun, moon, and stars, and wind and rain; treating government offices with contempt and exposing others’ faults; stealing the permanent ritual objects of the Three Treasures (the Dao, the Jing [scripture/classic], and the masters of Daoism); and encroaching upon the blessed lands of the Three Treasures and using them as fields and residences. These ten categories of offenses of the upper realm are too numerous to count.

If now they can confess their offenses with a single mind and repent with sincere hearts, and thereby remove these ten categories of wrongdoing, then the deities of the upper realm who preside over the ten days, the Gods of the Ten Upright Days, and the Taiyi of the Upper Prime (the deity charged with recording offenses and reporting them to the Celestial Bureau) will not register their crimes or submit memorials to the Celestial Bureau. In this way, after death they will not fall into the fire-pit hells of the boundless world of the upper realm, and will long be spared the suffering of scorching and ulceration; and when reborn as human beings in a future life, they will also enjoy inexhaustible happiness.” The Perfected One of Prolonging Life and the assembled immortals thereupon bowed with single-minded devotion and respectfully received the teaching.

At that time, the Most Exalted Laozi said to the Perfected One of Preserving Life of the lower realm and the assembled immortals: “Reverently honoring the sacred images and names of the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the boundless world of Brahma-Qi in the lower realm can eliminate countless offenses and obtain measureless blessings.

Sincerely believe in and reverently honor the Celestial Worthy of the lower realm who restores souls and raises the dead.”

With wholehearted earnestness one believes in and reverently honors the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of Wondrous Treasure and the Supreme Perfected, the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Illumination in the Primordial Kalpa, the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Plants and Brings Beings to Birth, the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme and Marvelous Countenance, the Celestial Worthy of Brahma-Qi (vital energy) That Universally Engenders Life, the Celestial Worthy Who Circles Round to Ferry the World to Salvation, the Celestial Worthy of Higher Rebirth Who Protects Life, the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion Who Prolongs Longevity, the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Quiescence Who Realizes Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy Who Strictly Examines and Presides over the Registers, the Celestial Worthy Who Expunges Sins and Censures, the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Authority and Sovereign Freedom, the Celestial Worthy Who Transcends and Ascends to the Upper Realm, the Celestial Worthy Who Sends Down Shen (spirit) to Rescue Beings, the Celestial Worthy Who Is Boat and Ferry across the Sea of Suffering, the Celestial Worthy Who Sponsors and Supervises Birth, the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Wisdom and Victorious Insight, the Celestial Worthy of No-Self Whose Wisdom Penetrates All, the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Affinity and Intimate Goodness, the Celestial Worthy Who by Majestic Power Subdues the Hosts of Demons, the Celestial Worthy Who Rides the True and Governs the Turning of Fate, the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Transformation and Condensed Mystery, the Celestial Worthy Who Manifests the Myriad Images, the Celestial Worthy Who Returns to the Source and Reverts to Stillness, the Celestial Worthy of Peace and Joy Who Preserves Constancy, the Celestial Worthy Who Completes Life and Protects Destiny, the Celestial Worthy Who Presides over the Registers and Preserves the Years, the Celestial Worthy Who Pacifies and Secures All Sentient Beings, the Celestial Worthy Who Returns the Numen and Nurtures the Unadorned, the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Deliverance from the Obstacles of Former Lives, the Celestial Worthy Who Protects Life and Receives Birth, and the Celestial Worthy Whose Lifespan Exhausts the Measure of Kalpas.

“Wholehearted faith and worship” means to believe in and pay homage with a heart of utmost sincerity. These titles of the Celestial Worthies respectively express sacred functions such as founding and inauguration, transformation and the generation of life, salvation and deliverance, the prolongation of longevity, the protection of life, the elimination of sins, the transcendence of obstacles, and the pacification of living beings. Titles repeated in the text are still honored in sequence, and the final title, the Celestial Worthy Whose Lifespan Exhausts the Measure of Kalpas, praises a lifespan vast in extent and enduring without end.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Streams Forth and Evolves the Myriad Norms (the Celestial Worthy who evolves and disseminates the principles of all things).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sets in Motion and Delivers the Eight Powers (the Celestial Worthy who turns the cosmic order and saves the mighty spirits of the eight directions).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Radiance and Golden Perfection (the Celestial Worthy who possesses pure, clear radiance and the wondrous substance of golden perfection).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the One Qi (vital energy) and the Primordial Guidelines (the Celestial Worthy who governs primordial Qi and its regulating order).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great August Flourishing Grace (the Celestial Worthy who is exalted and spiritually refined).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Answers Vows and Gives Rise to Causes (the Celestial Worthy who responds to solemn vows and brings good causes to fulfillment).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Blends the Myriad Spirits (the Celestial Worthy who gathers and harmonizes spirits of every kind).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Communion with the Eight Obscurities (the Celestial Worthy who mysteriously connects with the dark realms of the eight directions).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Perfection and Supreme Wisdom (the Celestial Worthy who ranks among the lofty perfected and possesses wisdom of the highest order).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Vast Kalpa and the Jade Void (the Celestial Worthy who has passed through vast kalpas and dwells in the realm of the Jade Void).

The Celestial Worthy of Flourishing Grace (the Celestial Worthy who is spiritually refined and exalted).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Answers Vows and Gives Rise to Causes.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Blends the Myriad Spirits.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Communion with the Eight Obscurities.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Perfection and Supreme Wisdom.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Vast Kalpa and the Jade Void.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Streams Forth Fluids and Spreads Qi (the Celestial Worthy who disseminates vital fluids and primordial Qi).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Upholds All Practices (the Celestial Worthy who comprehensively holds and presides over every kind of cultivation and good conduct).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Purity Who Delivers Beings (the Celestial Worthy who, by the pure Dao (the Way) of the primordial beginning, saves the many).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the Hidden and Abides in Stillness (the Celestial Worthy who discerns what is subtle and obscure and rests in purity and quiet).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Heavenly Perfection and Supreme Wonder (the Celestial Worthy who is a true sage of the heavens, whose wondrous Dao is unsurpassed).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Rides upon Vows to Rebirth (the Celestial Worthy who attains rebirth by relying on solemn vows).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wise Awakening Who Reaches the Origin (the Celestial Worthy who awakens through wisdom and penetrates to the source).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Completion in the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) (the Celestial Worthy who is wondrously accomplished within the Dao of the Taiji).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Summons the Perfected and Assembles the Holy (the Celestial Worthy who draws true spirits and gathers the host of sages).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Settled Light and Shining Scenes (the Celestial Worthy whose radiance is steady and whose appearances shine bright).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Illumined Contemplation and Great Deliverance (the Celestial Worthy who contemplates with thorough clarity and widely bestows salvation).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Skillfully Guides the True Essentials (the Celestial Worthy who directs practitioners in the essentials of cultivation).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dragon Script and Myriad Transformations (the Celestial Worthy who possesses the wondrous writings of the dragon script and transformations without end).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Light and Mysterious Response (the Celestial Worthy whose awesome radiance shines forth and who responds with mysterious efficacy).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Contemplates Conditions and Graded Scenes (the Celestial Worthy who contemplates causes and conditions together with the appearances of the various grades).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Perfection and Brahma Radiance (the Celestial Worthy who is pure as jade and possesses the luminous scenes of the Brahma heavens).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Brightness and the Seven Luminaries (the Celestial Worthy whose light is vast and who governs the seven luminaries—the sun, the moon, and the five planets).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mystery and Simplicity Who Comes in Light (the Celestial Worthy who descends in radiance by the mysterious and purely simple Dao).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Virtue and Empty Function (the Celestial Worthy who possesses bright De (Virtue/Power) and acts through the Dao of emptiness and stillness).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Patrols the Void with Flying Steps (the Celestial Worthy who tours the empty void and travels by flying paces).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Blossoms and Highest Vows (the Celestial Worthy who fulfills the splendid vows of the ten directions).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Peace and Pure Deliverance (the Celestial Worthy who, by the pure Dao, bestows vast tranquility and saves the many).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Chief Supervisor of Empty Luminosity (the venerable deity who is empty, still, and luminously clear, and who comprehensively oversees and inspects).

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Virtue and Empty Function.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Patrols the Void with Flying Steps.

With devout faith, reverently pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Blossoms and Highest Vows.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Peace and Sacred Deliverance (Tianzun; “Celestial Worthy” is the honorific by which Daoism addresses its venerated deities).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Void Luminosity, Superintendent of All.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Workings of Divine Truth.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Succors All and Forgets Merit (the Celestial Worthy who aids living beings without reckoning any credit).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Radiance and Mysterious Awakening.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of All-Pervading Brahma Qi (vital energy).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the Mystery and the Myriad Norms.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Sages and the Turning Wheel.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Longevity Who Protects and Delivers.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Cultivates the Myriad Practices (the Celestial Worthy who universally cultivates every kind of good deed).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Prolongs Harmony and Rectifies Transformation.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Broadly Extends Charity and Kindness.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Skillful Salvation and Accomplished Wisdom.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of All-Pervading Emptiness and Unbound Liberation.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Pivot and Dark Stillness.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Empty Wisdom, Vastly Penetrating.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Cavernous Void Who Assembles the Sages.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Establishes De (Virtue/Power) and Illumines Harmony.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Is Ever Good in Saving All Things (the Celestial Worthy who constantly rescues the myriad things through good deeds).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Wondrous Bliss.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Accords with Stillness and Ascends to the Mystery.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Promotes and Magnifies the Transforming Power of De.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Reveres Immortals and Esteems Goodness.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Reverent Love, Compassion, and Forbearance.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Venerable Who Opens the Way of Relief.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Wondrous Bliss.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Accords with Stillness and Ascends to the Mystery.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Promotes and Magnifies the Transforming Power of De.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Reveres Immortals and Esteems Goodness.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Reverent Love, Compassion, and Forbearance.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Salvation for the Four Modes of Birth (the Celestial Worthy who saves and delivers living beings born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, and by transformation).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Vastly Proclaims and Broadly Craves.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme De, Universally Renowned.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Jade-Blossom Luster.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Forgetting and Discerning Wisdom.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Illumines Emptiness and Shines upon Stillness.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Wisdom and Orthodox Faith.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Clarifies the Shen (spirit) and Stills the Realms.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to Resonance and Shelters According to Conditions (the Celestial Worthy who answers the spiritual resonance of living beings and protects them as conditions allow).

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Contemplative Illumination of the One Vehicle.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Ultimate Truth and the Mysterious Source.

With the utmost and most sincere heart, one believes in and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cavern-Abyss Samadhi (sanmei; samadhi means a meditative state of single-minded, deeply entered absorption).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of Great Penetration of the Six Perfections (the Honored One who fully masters the Six Perfections).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Chaos and the Ancestral Kalpa (the Honored One of the primordial beginning of the kalpa-world).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of Condensed Emptiness and Supreme Subtlety (the Honored One who gathers the void, wondrous beyond words).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of the Profound Root and Vast Salvation (the Honored One of deep and far-reaching origin who universally bestows deliverance).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion Who Transforms the Distant (the Honored One who, with a heart of great compassion, teaches and transforms beings in far-off places).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy Who Pities Those Sunk in Ruin (the Honored One who compassionately remembers and rescues those who have fallen and sunk).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy Who Grieves for and Saves Humans and Heavens (the Honored One who compassionately aids the beings of the human world and the heavenly realms).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of Transcending and Ascending the Vast Kalpa (the Honored One who helps beings transcend great calamities and ascend to higher realms).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy Who Far Transcends the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing; the Honored One who loftily surpasses the realm of the Three Pure Ones).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of the Great Canopy, Serene and Limpid (the Honored One who, within the realm of Daluo, the Great Canopy, abides concentrated, clear, and luminous).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one faithfully reveres and honors the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion Who Transforms the Distant, the Celestial Worthy Who Pities Those Sunk in Ruin, the Celestial Worthy Who Grieves for and Saves Humans and Heavens, the Celestial Worthy of Transcending and Ascending the Vast Kalpa, the Celestial Worthy Who Far Transcends the Three Pure Ones, the Celestial Worthy of the Great Canopy, Serene and Limpid, the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Subtlety and Honored Victory, the Celestial Worthy of Utmost Emptiness and Great Penetration, the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Tradition and Liberation through Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Victory and Universal Response, the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the Hidden and Realizes the Ultimate, the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Transforms the Worlds, the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Origin and Responds as a Sage, the Celestial Worthy of Highest Goodness and Jade Blossom, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Truth and Constant Joy, and the Celestial Worthy Whose Merit Is Complete and Whose Radiance Comes to Rest.

The Most High Laozi says: These Celestial Worthies are perfect and complete in appearance. Guards and attendants stand beside them to protect and uphold them, and they possess countless disciples and retinues. All of them dwell in the limitless worlds of Brahma-Qi (vital energy) in the regions below. They broadly proclaim the teachings of the Great Vehicle, elucidate the essential meaning of the Great Dao (the Way), and deliver all beings who bear offenses, freeing them from suffering so that all attain peace and joy.

At this time the Exalted Laozi, a revered deity of Daoism, spoke to the Perfected Who Preserves Life in the realms below and to the assembled immortals: “If you can transform the living beings of the boundless worlds below by means of the Dao (the Way), and praise the numinous images and sacred titles of the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the boundless worlds of Brahma-Qi below, you will help those beings lighten the retribution for their sins within the cycle of birth and death.

These offenses include discarding the scriptures (Jing) and slighting or destroying the classics of the sages; eating ahead of time during fasting and purification, thinking only of the mouth and belly; practicing lewdness and licentiousness, envying others, and sowing discord among one’s own kin; making unauthorized use of the bamboo, timber, and various ritual implements associated with the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters revered in Daoism; taking goods in with an oversized measure and sending them out on an overweight scale, and so harming others; seeking excessive profit in the sale of merchandise; deceiving the worthy and the good in buying and selling; reviling people with harsh words, slandering the good or the lowly, and likening human beings to birds and beasts; killing living creatures; and treating one’s parents with contempt while cherishing only one’s wife and children.

The evil deeds of the realms below are boundless and cannot be recorded one by one. If now one can concentrate on openly confessing one’s crimes and repent with a sincere heart, and so remove these ten kinds of offense, the Taiyi of the Lower Prime, among the deities of the Ten Days of Uprightness below, will not enter one’s faults in the registers and report them to the Celestial Bureaus, the offices of the heavenly realm. After death one will not fall into the filth-and-excrement hells of the boundless worlds below, and will long be spared the sufferings of places of defilement; and when reborn as a human being in a future life, one will also enjoy joy without measure.”

Thereupon the Perfected Who Preserves Life and the assembled immortals bowed as with one heart and reverently received and upheld the teaching.

The Most High Laozi said: In this manner, the Celestial Worthies of the ten directions are all manifestations of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, transformed in accordance with primordial Qi (vital energy). They generate and nurture the worlds of the ten directions and extend their protection over them, stabilize states, and teach and transform all beings. According to the conditions of living beings, they reveal their forms and divide into transformation bodies, their changes without end. Following the turning of cosmic ages, they now withdraw and now appear, delivering all beings and spreading blessings throughout the myriad heavens.

If Daoist priests, female Daoists, and men and women of every kind can arouse a wholesome mind—on behalf of sovereigns and kings, parents, wives and children, themselves and their kin, the seven ancestors and nine mysteries (a general term for ancestors of successive generations), and indeed all beings beneath heaven and upon the earth—and, each according to his or her means, fashion images of the Celestial Worthies from gold, silver, pearls, jade, tile, stone, copper, iron, and the like, or by painting and embroidery, and set these images throughout the ten directions and in every place; and if they further worship and make offerings, establish Daoist abbeys, convert people, hold ritual assemblies and recite scriptures (Jing), scatter flowers and light lamps, repent and make vows, observe the precepts, and practice fasting and cultivation, then they can secure peace and joy in the present life, ascend to heaven after death, and obtain blessings beyond measure and beyond conception.

If a ruler of a state meets with disaster, or if the sun and moon show anomalies, the stars move out of their proper courses, flood and drought fall out of balance, epidemics spread among the people, or warfare recurs without cease, one should, in numinous abbeys, mysterious altars, palace halls, and courtyards, set out twelve thousand lamps in ten tiers, one thousand two hundred lamps to each tier, and open gates in the eight directions, so that the lamp altar is complete within and without and its light shines through. Then, day and night, one should worship and repent, scatter flowers and burn incense, take refuge in and intone the names of the one thousand one hundred sixty numinous images of the ten directions, hold a great precious purification assembly, release living creatures and practice charity, erect one hundred high platforms, and expound the wondrous Great Vehicle scriptures of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), the classics of the Daoist tradition. In this way the state may be made secure and the world at peace.

If dukes and marquises, local officials, and common people encounter calamities and perils of every kind, they too should diligently perform these rites. Thereby the present life may prosper, ancestors may ascend to heaven, the sufferings of the hells may be escaped, lasting radiance may be gained, and generation after generation may enjoy inexhaustible blessings and long abide in the realm of Wuwei (non-action).

In the lamp-lighting rite, one may arrange one thousand two hundred lamps as an array of the ten directions, or build a great precious wheel and set twelve thousand lamps upon it, or dispose them according to local conditions. Dukes and marquises use one thousand lamps, and commoners one hundred, all following the method above. By night the lamps must burn without ceasing; by day they may be extinguished. When the rite comes to an end, one should in every case widely convene fasting assemblies, hold ritual gatherings, praise the Celestial Worthies, and declare the merit accomplished before the various heavens. The blessings thus obtained are measureless and cannot be fully told.

At this, the Perfected of the ten directions, together with all who attended them, bowed their heads as one, praised this method, and then withdrew.

End of the tenth volume of the Laozi Xiangming Jing (Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi).