《上清金真玉皇上元九天真灵三百六十五部元箓》

Jinming said: The Seven Perfected (seven realized Zhenren) first received, in the Guihai year on the fifth day of the fifth month at the Wu hour, the Upper Prime Spirit Register (Shangyuan Linglu, the register of spirit officials of the Upper Prime period) granted by the Supreme Jade Dawn Lord (Taishang Yuchen Jun). Nine years have now passed. The Seven Perfected have always treasured this precious register, using it to govern Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy), and have never allowed any omissions or errors in its divine writings.

Later, in the fifth year of Taiqing, the Xinwei year, on the first day of the fifth month at the Wu hour, the High Heavenly Treasure Jade Emperor descended to the Qiong Palace at Dailing and re-ranked the Upper Prime Nine Heavens True Spirit Mysterious Register (Shangyuan Jiutian Zhenling Xuanlu) for the Seven Perfected, thereby correcting the ranks, titles, and duties of the spirit officials and spirit generals therein.

Jin Ming said: At this time, the High Heaven Treasure Jade Emperor (the supreme Heavenly Worthy within the Golden Palace) informed the Seven Zhenren (the seven realized Perfected Ones) by means of the golden-mouth formula: These Upper Origin Nine Heavens True Spirits, three hundred sixty-five divisions of generals, and Mysterious Register Heavenly Officials were not fabricated by later students of cultivation. Their true bodies were naturally generated from the flying-condensed pure true living-spirit wondrous Qi (vital energy) of the Upper Origin; according with the bright destiny of natural operation, they thus became Zhenren. They wear naturally generated five-colored flying-heaven feather garments, their bodies as firm as diamond and more than three thousand zhang in height. The officials and generals they command all wear naturally generated three-colored flying-cyan feather immortal garments; they perpetually garrison the Upper Origin of the Nine Heavens and assist the thirty-six True Emperors in governing the heavenly realms.

This Dharma method takes its model from the Four Images of Heaven and Earth, as well as from the Jade Pass, Nanji, and the number of three hundred sixty-five orthodox degrees; it likewise takes its model from the Nine Dawns, the Three Luminaries, the Seven Luminaries of the constellations, the Nine Palaces and Bagua (Eight Trigrams), and the positions of three hundred sixty-five degrees, corresponding to the originating transformations of the three hundred sixty-five kinds of Qi of Heaven and Earth’s four seasons. It further corresponds to the three hundred sixty-five places of the human body’s form, joints, and viscera.

From the upper aspect, these True Spirits preside over the circulation of the orthodox Qi of Heaven and Earth; from the middle aspect, they support the foundation of the Heavenly Emperor and the blessed fortune of the ruler, manifest the correct positions and operations of the Three Origins (Upper Origin, Middle Origin, and Lower Origin), and cause the teaching to become evident in the Worthy Kalpa (the period when worthies appear in the world and the orthodox Dharma flourishes); from the lower aspect, they succor the sentient beings of the Three Realms, open the gate of the true Dharma, guide heavenly beings and worldly sentient beings toward the blessed realm, rescue those caught in the Eight Difficulties (the various obstacles to cultivating the Dao or hearing the orthodox Dharma) and the sea of suffering, and deliver beings from the Three Paths and Six Realms.

They further employ Mysterious Registers to treat the illnesses and sufferings of the world, Spirit Officials to ward off heavenly disasters, divine power to help people pass through the calamity of the Nine Breaths, and heavenly troops to protect the body and life of those who cultivate the Dao, thereby preserving blessed fortune through successive kalpas; in the heavenly palace they dispel the Ten Evils, use divine generals to subdue poisonous ghosts, Heavenly Zhenren to suppress the multitude of demons, Spirit Clerks to eliminate various calamities, heavenly majesty to subdue sprites and monsters, divine force to slay the horde of demons, divine wisdom to pacify disasters of water and fire, azure water to wash away filthy Qi, and golden wind to sweep away dust and grime; they also use wondrous Qi to protect the human form, Heavenly Physicians to treat all diseases, and true Jing (essence) to stabilize the joints of people.

Therefore the efficacy of this Dharma method is all-pervasive without remainder, taking its model from the measures and laws of Heaven, Earth, and the human world. It will descend to the world to propagate the teaching in accordance with the bright destiny, save sentient beings in the latter age, and protect and sustain the Dao of Wuwei (non-action) so that it may be transmitted to later generations. This Dharma method ought to arise in the era of the Numinous Dragon. At that time, when the ruler practices the Dao and cultivates De (Virtue/Power), this accords with the times; when the imperial enterprise enjoys peace, this is the efficacy of the Dharma method; when heavenly beings and worldly sentient beings attain longevity without suffering untimely death or injury, this is the blessing it confers.

The High Heavenly Worthy said: When this Dharma method flourishes, the destiny of the myriad Daos will draw to a close, mysterious and wondrous laws will arise, the Great Vehicle teaching will circulate, and those who cultivate the Dao will be able to preserve their allotted lifespan in correspondence with the Dao of the Three Origins. This may be called the merit of the natural; to open transformation and deliver people is likewise no difficult matter. Now we specially compose this chapter in order to elucidate its functions. Later worthies, Perfected Ones, and those who believe in this Dao—ought they not to honor it and put it into practice?

The Mysterious Register of the True Spirits of the Upper Prime (the mysterious name-register of the nine heavenly true spirits of the Upper Prime)

This register is presided over by the Pure Mysterious Limitless True Upper Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning). The Jade Youth of Everlasting Bright Golden Truth administers its affairs. On the left stands the Zhenren (Perfected One) transformed from the pure true mysterious Qi (vital energy); on the right stands the Zhenren transformed from the primordial Qi of accumulated yang true Jing (essence); in the center stands the Zhenren transformed from the Qi of mysteriously wondrous living spirits. Together they preside over the wondrous Qi of the Upper Scenery of Clear Emptiness that generates Shen (spirit), as well as the Most True Empty Mysterious Elders of the Thirty-six Grotto-Heavens. The Seven True Sons of Golden Brightness now preside over the Thirty-six Dioceses of the High Heavenly Treasure Jade Emperor, supervise the Flying Heaven Spirit-Kings of the Ten Directions, take overall charge of the Nine Heavens, the Three Primes, and all the realms above and below Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), pervade the Four Images, and govern the myriad spirits of the lower world.

It is now universally announced to the spirit officials of the infinite heavens: the Seven Perfected practice the Orthodox Dao (the Way). The one hundred eighty-three divisions of the Mysterious Register of the Nine Heavenly True Spirits of the Upper Prime, together with their affiliated generals, soldiers, and officers, are each granted name-registers according to their ranks. Those who receive the register should, in accordance with the ordinances, settle these spirits in the three hundred sixty-five palaces and offices of their own upper, middle, and lower body, to guard and protect them when they go forth. The Five Directions and Eight Extremities, the Five Sacred Peaks, famous mountains and great marshes, the Three Rivers and Four Seas as well as the waters of the Jiang, Huai, Ji, and Si, the Fulu temples and village altars of the townships, pavilions, and Nine Provinces, and all the deities throughout empty space, should all obey the decrees, assist the state, support human life, restrain and command the host of spirits, heal all living beings, and save both celestial beings and people of the world.

From the day a person receives the name-register, they must not violate the liturgical precepts or break the covenant, must not offer illicit sacrifices to the ghosts and spirits of the Six Heavens, nor kill living beings without cause; they may only sacrifice to their own ancestors in accordance with the Orthodox Canon of Supreme Truth. If they commit crimes such as sexual misconduct or theft, turn away from the Orthodox Dao and fall into heresy and falsehood, the generals, soldiers, and officers will investigate and record it. On the day when the offenses become manifest, that person and their ancestors of seven generations will all suffer long the torment of the wind-knives, and even after passing through ten thousand kalpas they will not be pardoned; everything is carried out in accordance with the True Illumination Decree.

The Ten Generals of Original Destiny of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Life Salvation of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and flying immortal dragon cavalry soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Body Protection of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Breath Salvation of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and flying immortal dragon cavalry soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Body Garrison of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Left Generating Qi of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and flying tiger cavalry soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Body Guarding of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Right Generating Qi of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers for executing talismans and destroying temples each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Nine Body Guards of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Right Generating Qi of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers for executing talismans and destroying temples each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Form Hiding of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Central Mysterious Generating Qi of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers for summoning the dragon heavens each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Form Invisibility of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Calamity-Dispelling Investigation and Summoning of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Disease-Healing Merit Officers of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Spirit-Controlling Investigation and Summoning of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated warriors each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Heavenly Physician Merit Officers of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated officers and soldiers each numbering one hundred thousand. The Ten Generals of Investigating and Slaying the Hundred Ghosts of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin have affiliated warriors each numbering one hundred thousand.

This scriptural passage enumerates by title the generals of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin together with their subordinates. Each category of generals is provided with officers, soldiers, or warriors numbering one hundred thousand; some contingents are specially called flying immortal dragon cavalry or flying tiger cavalry, or they perform functions such as summoning, executing talismans, and destroying temples. These designations belong to the system of Daoist spirit soldiers and generals, serving to indicate their affiliations, official duties, and imposing dignity.

The True Spirits of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin Nine Heavens (the host of true spirit deities dwelling in the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin Nine Heavens), the Ten Generals who Support Life, Form, and Shadow, together with their officials, commanders, and soldiers, each category numbering one hundred thousand.

The True Spirits of the Supreme Nonexistence Upper Origin Nine Heavens, the Flying Heaven White Tigers who Deliver Memorials and the Flying Dragon Cavalry Ten Generals, together with their officials, commanders, and soldiers, each category numbering one hundred thousand. Here “delivering memorials” (songzhang) refers to the divine generals escorting petitions up to the celestial court.

In such-and-such year of such-and-such reign period, the year of the Tai Sui, on such-and-such month and day, the new moon of the lunar calendar (the first day of each month), Wang Jia of such-and-such commandery, county, township, and village, aged such-and-such years, now respectfully receives the Upper Origin Nine Heavens True Spirits Flying Heaven White Tigers who Deliver Memorials and Flying Dragon Cavalry Ten Generals, together with their officials, commanders, and soldiers, each category numbering one hundred thousand.

In such-and-such year of such-and-such reign period, the year of the Tai Sui, on such-and-such month and day, the new moon of the lunar calendar, Wang Jia of such-and-such commandery, county, township, and village, aged such-and-such years, now respectfully receives the Upper Origin Nine Heavens True Spirits’ one hundred eighty-three departments of Mysterious Registers (Daoist Fulu [talismans and registers] that record the names, offices, and methods of commanding the divine true beings). The generals, soldiers, true officials, and officers shall all take their sequential positions, be granted and installed upon Wang Jia’s body. Each of the generals, soldiers, and officials shall, according to their respective positions, encircle the palaces and offices within Wang Jia’s body (the dwellings of the deities inside the human body according to Daoist conception), circulating above and below, protecting the body, assisting the original Qi (vital energy), so that the hun and po souls, the physical form, and the bodily shadow unite as one; they shall defend front, rear, left, and right, restrain evil influences, their awesome power reaching as far as ten thousand li.

A thousand kinds of demonic creatures, ten thousand varieties of monsters, spirits, ghosts, and deviant deities shall all have their ferocious might destroyed and their poisonous blades broken, and they shall come to surrender, transform into goodness, and take refuge in the true Great Dao (the Way). If there are any violent and unyielding malevolent deities or rebellious ghosts, they shall all be entrusted to the generals and soldiers to be swept away and pacified. From this time forth, the methods of the Primordial Beginning shall be practiced and initiated, and they shall continue to guard Wang Jia’s body. They must follow the ordinances of the True Illumination of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens and execute them immediately.

All the Fulu (talismans and registers) in this volume are written with cinnabar.

The Seven Perfected Ones of Golden Brightness (Jinming Qizhenzi), the seven perfected beings who practice this method, administer the Mysterious Registers of the Highest Spirits of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens (the sacred name-lists of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens), totaling one hundred eighty-two sections that list generals, soldiers, celestial officials, clerks, and others. Added to these are the Mysterious Registers of the True Spirits of the Great Nonexistence Upper Origin Nine Heavens, totaling one hundred eighty-three sections, for a combined total of three hundred sixty-five sections. These registers are established according to the laws of Heaven and Earth, corresponding to the Nine Dawn Stars, the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, and stars), the Seven Luminaries (the sun, moon, and five planets), the constellations, the four seasons, the Five Phases (Wuxing), the Nine Palaces, the Six Jia, the Eight Trigrams (Bagua), and the degrees and regularities of celestial movements. They circulate among the Nine Heavens, representing the numbers of the Three Origins, and constantly garrison and protect the human body.

A certain person now turns with utmost sincerity toward the Mysterious Perfected and takes refuge in the Three Venerables (the three deities honored in Daoism), and therefore deserves compassion. The Seven Perfected Ones should on that same day transmit the Highest Spirit Mysterious Registers according to the liturgy (Keyi) and command the generals, soldiers, celestial officials, and clerks within them to garrison this person’s body in accordance with the statutes. They shall patrol above and below through the Five Directions and Eight Extremes, the Five Sacred Peaks and famous mountains, the great marshes, as well as the Three Rivers and Four Seas, the Yangtze, Huai, Ji, and other waterways. All the earth-god shrines, soil altars, and village-pavilion deities of the Nine Provinces and Four Realms shall likewise obey the talismanic commands, govern the four quarters, and jointly protect this person’s body; wherever the person may be, they must act as ordered.

Should ferocious spirits or evil ghosts come to harm this person, the generals and soldiers shall slay them according to the law without delay. If this person violates the disciplinary precepts, breaks sworn covenants, or commits licentiousness or theft, or offers prayers and sacrifices to the ghosts and spirits of the Six Heavens, they shall be investigated and impeached by the celestial officials. When after death they undergo interrogation and punishment by the Three Officials (the divine offices in charge of Heaven, Earth, and Water), they must not resent their teacher or blame the Dao (the Way). All of the above shall be carried out in accordance with the True and Luminous Statutes of the Nine Heavens.

The Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens Highest Spirit Primordial Destiny Generals number ten in all, each commanding one hundred thousand soldiers. The Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens Highest Spirit Soaring Heavenly Warriors and Strongmen Generals number ten in all, each commanding one hundred thousand soldiers. The Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens Highest Spirit Opening-Salvation Life-Spirit Generals number ten in all, each commanding one hundred thousand soldiers.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten vajra-warrior generals who preside over soaring flight, the extermination of malevolent spirits raised by talismans and spells, and the destruction of heterodox temples. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the initiation of deliverance and the relief of living beings. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over soaring flight, the subjugation of demons, and the punitive slaying of evil beings. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the initiation of deliverance and the vital Qi (vital energy) of life. The scripture then continues: “the ten generals of the Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens’ superior spirits who open deliverance for living beings,” that is, the ten generals who preside over the initiation of deliverance for living beings; each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over soaring flight, the subjugation of demons, and the punitive slaying of evil beings. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the initiation of deliverance and the vital Qi of life. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over soaring flight, the capture of divine spirits, and the devouring of ghosts and specters. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the whole body flashing like lightning. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over soaring flight, the capture of sprites and monsters, and the devouring of poisonous evils. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over protecting the body with illustrious majesty and awesome power. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over soaring through the heavens to conduct inspections and the summoning and capture of ghosts and spirits. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the yang Shen (spirit) and righteous Qi. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over soaring through the heavens to conduct inspections and the summoning and capture of ghosts and spirits. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the yang Shen and righteous Qi. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten warrior generals who preside over the soaring celestial clerks—heavenly officials—who swiftly deliver talismanic mandates and summon ghosts and spirits. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the yin Shen and righteous Qi. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over the soaring crimson-fluttering golden-army feathered-clerk envoys. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

Among the superior spirits of the Great Mystery Upper Origin Nine Heavens, there are ten generals who preside over preserving the Shen and Qi and guarding the body. Each general commands one hundred thousand troops.

The Ten Generals of the Upper Spirit Flying Heaven White Tiger Conveying Memorials Immortal Dragon of the Unsurpassed Upper Origin of the Nine Heavens command one hundred thousand soldiers. Male and female disciples so-and-so sincerely take refuge in the Mysterious True, praying to receive the Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Sections of Mysterious Registers of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Origin. The Seven True Ones, in accordance with the ritual ordinances, arrange the ranks of generals, soldiers, celestial officials, and subordinate officers, conferring the Mysterious Registers upon so-and-so in proper sequence and employing the Flying Mysterious Three Origins Life-Extending Numinous Talisman to stabilize and protect the Mysterious Registers, thereafter deploying the celestial officials and spirit soldiers according to each section of the registers.

This matter is now universally proclaimed to Heaven and Earth, the Five Directions and Eight Extremities, the Nine Dawn Stars, the Three Luminaries and Seven Luminaries, all the stars and lodges of the various heavens, the Four Seasons and Five Phases (Wuxing), the Nine Palaces, Six Jia, and Bagua (Eight Trigrams), the Three Officials and Nine Bureaus, as well as all officials, subordinates, and soldier hosts throughout the Three Realms. All spirits must obey the talismanic mandates, jointly safeguarding the body of so-and-so, assisting passage through the Three Disasters and Nine Calamities, the Five Poisons and Eight Difficulties, as well as disasters of wind-blades, water and fire, weapons, and illnesses, thereby delivering from all sufferings and inauspicious perils, with lifespan equal to the Three Origins. A thousand demons and ten thousand monsters shall all submit and be resolved; a hundred kinds of evil affairs shall dissipate. May the recipient abide together with the celestial officials and spirit soldiers, perpetually guarding the three hundred and sixty-five passes, palaces, and bureaus within the body, so that the subtle and marvelous Qi (vital energy) endures through successive kalpas. All this is executed in accordance with the ordinances of the Nine Heavens True Illumination.

The foregoing constitutes the Upper Origin Three Hundred and Sixty-Five True Spirits Mysterious Registers, which male and female disciples alike may receive without distinction.

The male or female child of such-and-such commandery, such-and-such county, such-and-such township, and such-and-such village, aged such-and-such years. From this day onward, wear one General Mysterious Register to protect the self and to practice the Pure True Mysterious Qi. Immediately carry this out according to the decree.

One Unsurpassed Nine Heavens Jade Immortal Great General, commanding official-generals, subordinate officers, and one hundred thousand soldiers. The male or female child of such-and-such village, aged such-and-such years. From this day onward, wear one General Mysterious Register to protect the self and to practice the Pure True Mysterious Qi. Immediately carry this out according to the decree.

One Unexcelled Jade Immortal Great General of the Nine Heavens commands one hundred thousand officials, generals, clerks, and soldiers. The Jinming Seven Perfected Ones now borrow the Xuanlu (mysterious register; the name-register and Fulu conferred in Daoism) of the Child General in order to grant the Xuanlu to the male and female children of a certain household. From this day forward, so-and-so shall wear the Xuanlu divine talisman, and the heavenly officials, clerks, soldiers, and generals shall jointly protect and guard so-and-so’s body, preventing disasters, expelling evil, subduing demons and monsters, and slaying malevolent spirits. The fierce gods and evil ghosts of the five directions and eight directions, heavenly calamities and earthly deities, wandering spirits, goblins, and sprites in the air, as well as all numinous and ghostly entities, shall withdraw and disperse like clouds and mist. All the benevolent deities of the various heavens, the earth gods, and the true officials shall obey the command of the talisman and provide lasting protection. Should any violent ghosts or spirits attempt to seize the opportunity to cause harm, they shall be captured, subdued, and slain by the general and the officers and soldiers without delay. This order is to be executed immediately, in accordance with the True Bright Statutes of the Nine Heavens.

Carried out at the zi hour on the first day of a certain month in a certain reign period.

The above is the register text granted to male and female children.

The Ritual for Stationing Officials and Soldiers When Conferring the Register

One then ascends the altar, faces east and bows twice, then takes three pinches of incense. Next one strikes the ritual drum twenty-four times and performs the furnace-issuing ritual (the ceremony of burning incense and inviting the deities). One respectfully invites the Clear Mysterious Limitless True Upper Three Heavens Mysterious Origin Primordial Qi, the Limitless Great Dao, Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun), together with the left and right incense officials, the flying immortal postal-dragon-mounted incense-bearing messengers, the flying heavenly dragon-riding Five Emperors’ incense-attending jade youths and jade maidens, and so forth—each group of twenty-four deities—to appear. One then petitions the Void-Natural Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun), the Limitless Great Dao Most High Lord Lao, and the aforementioned incense officials, messengers, and incense-serving boys and girls. The Seven Perfected now burn incense and present the memorial, conducting the conferral rite, praying that the Most High Ten Directions’ Orthodox True Generating Qi descend into the bodies of the Seven Perfected and others so that the submitted memorial may reach directly before the throne of the Limitless Great Dao’s Most True Jade Emperor.

After the ritual is completed, one bows twice more, kneels at length before the incense table, summons the affiliated officials, presents the memorial, and attends to the conferral of the register.

One carefully summons from within the body of the Jinming Seven Perfected two each of the Five-Body True Officials, Merit Officers, and Envoys; two each of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens Merit Officers; two each of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens Ascending-Mystery Merit Officers; and two each of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers.

The Left Mysterious True Bright Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The Right Mysterious Supreme True Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The Yang-spirit Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The Yin-spirit Zhengyi Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The Immortal Capital healing meritorious persons of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens are commanded to go forth. The Yang-spirit Zhengyi Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The Yin-spirit Zhengyi Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The Immortal Capital healing Gongcao officers of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth. The unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens Upper Spirit Flying Heaven White Tiger memorial-escorting immortal dragon-riding clerks, two of each kind, are commanded to go forth, responsible for escorting the petitions.

Respectfully invite forth the True Official Messengers attending the Seven Perfected (Qizhen, the true immortals venerated in Daoism), the True Official Talisman Clerks on duty in the Immortal Capital (Xiandu), and the official messengers who govern the Immortal Commanderies, one thousand two hundred of each. Request that they compose their demeanor, attire themselves completely, don their caps, fasten their sashes, and let their tassel ornaments hang down, each preparing the ceremonial insignia of the Celestial Perfected, arraying themselves throughout the four directions and eight quarters, and standing guard to the left and right, front and rear. Their radiance flashes like thunder and lightning, sweeping away inauspicious influences, discerning the hidden and the nether realms, reporting upward to the Mysterious Perfected (Xuanzhen), and assisting in the conduct of the register-conferral (shoulu) ritual.

There are now a number of male and female disciples from such-and-such commandery, county, township, and village who present a written petition, stating their case to the Mysterious Perfected, sincerely taking refuge in the Three Venerables (Dao, Jing/scripture, and Shi/master), and requesting to receive the Upper Origin Nine Heavens True Spirit Three Hundred Sixty-Five Departments Mysterious Registers (Shangyuan Jiutian Zhenling Sanbai Liushiwu Bu Xuanlu). On this day the names of these male and female disciples should be inscribed in the documents, reported to the Mysterious Perfected, and the ranks and titles of the celestial officials filled in according to the ritual prescriptions. If the matter is to be presented to the heavenly realm, specify the time of presentation; if the dharma registers are to be transmitted, specify the time of transmission, and at that hour perform obeisance and invite the Three Origins Nine Heavens Officials (Sanyuan Jiutian Guan) to preside over the transmission and ordination.

Now once more we present a memorial informing the Limitless Great Dao Primordial Beginning Most High Jade Emperor (Wuji Dadao Yuanshi Taishang Yuhuang), the Unsurpassed Most Perfect Great Sage Heavenly Worthy Golden Portal Jade Emperor (Wushang Zhizhen Dasheng Tianzun Jinque Yudi), together with the Immortal Capital True Officials and the Investigation-Summoning Conduct Capital Official Messengers. We earnestly request that you all compassionately descend, clearly observe and supervise the transmission to so-and-so and the others of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens True Spirit Mysterious Registers. May these mysterious registers, according to their respective stations, enter the persons of so-and-so and the others, establishing palaces and garrisoning offices within the body, encircling and protecting; circulating leftward through ninety million layers and rightward through ninety million layers, thereby protecting the bodies and lives of so-and-so and the others, causing the mysterious radiance to appear and shine forth, its majestic power extending ten thousand li.

May the generals and soldiers, the celestial official commanders and clerks, unite in form and spirit with so-and-so and the others, so that the power of the divine spirits permeates both interior and exterior. May the local Earth True Officials infuse numinous Qi (vital energy), oversee the ritual, and convene all officials and military commanders to jointly assist. All spirits should be promoted and rewarded according to their meritorious service, not failing the trust and duties they have received. The foregoing petition, please convey it upward before the Limitless Great Dao Most Perfect Jade Emperor.

The rites concluded, two bows are performed, whereupon the memorial is immediately presented. After the memorial is completed, its efficacy is once more proclaimed and exhorted.

The Jinming Qizhen (Golden Bright Seven Perfected Ones, seven true deities of Daoist ritual) again command the various Perfected Gongcao, heavenly officials, generals, officers, soldiers, capital officials and messengers within the body, together with the flying-heaven white-tiger memorial-delivering immortals, dragon-riding officers and the rest. The Seven Perfected come forward to send forth the officials and present the memorial. The various Perfected under Xuan’s command each rise into the air on clouds, return to their palaces and offices, occupy their proper stations, protect the heavenly realm and assist the earth.

Once the Perfected have returned, the hundreds of millions of layers of heavenly palaces within the body are again prepared for the Seven Perfected. The Zhengzhen each withdraw from the vermilion gates and marvelous watchtowers to resume their posts. The matters submitted by the Seven Perfected ascend before the Imperial Dao.

The rite concluded, two further obeisances are made. Once more the hundreds of millions of layers of heavenly palaces within the body are prepared for the Seven Perfected. The Zhengzhen each withdraw from the vermilion gates and marvelous watchtowers to resume their posts. The matters submitted by the Seven Perfected ascend before the Imperial Dao.

The rite concluded, after bowing they return to the altar, face north and kneel at length, again summoning the officials and generals to issue from the body; Xuan then immediately confers the Zhi Lu (the Daoist ritual document of register conferral and appointment to ritual office).

The Jinming Qizhen again mobilize the Five Perfected Lang officers within the body, the left and right Gongping Immortal Earls and Immortal Dukes, the Direct Perfected talisman officers, the Jade Lang of the Immortal Capital, the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Shengxuan Gongcao, the examination-and-summoning capital officials, the inspecting Immortal-King messengers, the flying-heaven mounted riders, the Direct Perfected flying-dragon riders, the soaring-dragon courier presenting flying-immortal feathered riders and the rest, thirty-six of each class stepping forth. They compose their bearing and dress, lining up to stand in attendance on either side of the heavenly rite, shielding the heavens, filling the four directions, and according to ritual law they command, escort and supervise the ceremony.

Thereupon the received Shangyuan Zhenling three hundred sixty-five departments of generals, soldiers, heavenly officials and officers are conferred upon so-and-so and installed in the three hundred sixty-five joint palaces and offices within so-and-so’s body, rendering them complete and corresponding layer upon layer without error, so that so-and-so unites with the various Perfected. The matters presented by the Seven Perfected go directly up to the Wuji Great Dao, before the Most Perfected Jade Emperor.

The rite concluded, the Du Lu is proclaimed; this is the document issued by the heavenly palace. After the reading, the imperial command of the Du Lu is proclaimed, followed by the proclamation of the talisman texts, and a prayer is offered:

“The Great Dao opens the True Dao; in the Hall of Orthodox Dharma everything is prepared for so-and-so, causing so-and-so to unite with the various Perfected. The matters presented by the Seven Perfected go directly up to the Wuji Great Dao, before the Most Perfected Jade Emperor.”

The rite concluded, the Du Lu is proclaimed; this is the document issued by the heavenly palace. After the reading, the imperial command of the Du Lu is proclaimed, followed by the proclamation of the talisman texts, and a prayer is offered:

The Great Dao opens the realm of true marvels, and the orthodox ordinances are grandly manifested. Majesty appears within the boundless void, and light issues forth from emptiness. The boundless void possesses wondrous spiritual power, whose efficacy transforms and circulates throughout the ten directions. The true Fulu (talisman) of the Great Mystery is able to summon and command the spirit kings, possessing supreme sovereign power that extinguishes every kind of disaster. The Nine Heavens support and aid life, the Six Heavens suffice to resist evil influences, and all the heavens jointly confer protection, so that even through kalpic calamities they may guard one another. Reverently obeying the ordinances of the Most High Jade Emperor, this is to be executed with haste.

Next, the water texts used in the transmission of registers are decreed (the water talisman writings inscribed or recited when performing the rite), and a prayer is offered:

The azure waters of the Most High surge into the Heavenly River, transforming into divine Qi (vital energy), spreading forth like a vast net; they fly and sprinkle downward, slaying the heavenly demons as with a sharp sword. Ghost soldiers of the five directions—all who resist are dispersed, as if blown by wind or consumed by fire, sweeping away sprites and washing clean of demonic evils. Reverently obeying the ordinances, this is to be executed with haste.

When the prayer is finished, the transmission of registers is performed, and it is immediately reported that the liturgical service has been successfully completed. Next, incense is offered three times; one then turns toward the altar table facing east and recites: “Waters surge into the Heavenly River, transforming into divine Qi, spreading forth like a vast net; they fly and sprinkle downward, slaying the heavenly demons as with a sharp sword. Ghost soldiers of the five directions—all who resist are dispersed, as if blown by wind or consumed by fire, sweeping away sprites and washing clean of demonic evils. Reverently obeying the ordinances, this is to be executed with haste.”

After the recitation, the transmission of registers is performed, and it is immediately reported that the liturgical service has been successfully completed. Next, incense is offered three times; one then turns toward the altar table facing east, kneels, and reports that the liturgical service has been successfully completed.

The Seven Perfected of Golden Brightness (Jinming Qizhen), the seven true deities who preside over the conferral of Fulu (talismans and registers), submit a memorial to the Limitless Dao (the Way), the Beginningless Most High Utmost Perfect Great Sage Heavenly Worthy. Previously commissioned to supervise and conduct a certain ritual were the five True Gentleman Clerks attending the Seven Perfected, the Immortal Earls and Immortal Dukes of Merit and Equity on the left and right, the Direct True Register Clerks, the Jade Gentlemen of the Immortal Capital, the Merit Officers of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Ascending to Mystery, the Inspecting Immortal King Envoys of the Investigation and Summoning Capital Officials, as well as the Flying Heaven Mounts, the Direct True Flying Dragon Riders, the Soaring Dragon Courier Flying Immortal Feathered Riders, and others.

These divine clerks supervised and presided over the ritual of conferring registers upon a certain person. Now, by means of this memorial, they petition for the promotion of these clerks and the recording of their merit. Each of the divine clerks should be granted a higher true rank and heavenly title, with generous and substantial rewards, their meritorious service repaid according to what is recorded on the golden tablets. After the ritual is completed, each returns to their numinous palaces, traveling by cloud carriages, and goes back to the Mysterious Palaces, Golden Halls, and Jade Mansions, there to continue guarding the Three Primes (the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water) and to resume their original posts. They may be summoned forth again when needed in the future.

The Seven Perfected confer upon a certain person and others the three hundred sixty-five sections of mysterious registers of the True Spirits of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, together with the generals, soldiers, heavenly officials, and register clerks assigned with the registers. From this day forward, these spirits shall stand guard together with the said person and others, remaining unseparated through successive kalpas and enduring for all time. The Seven Perfected submit this matter in a memorial, presenting it before the Limitless Dao, the Utmost Perfect Jade Emperor.

After the ritual is completed, two further bows are performed, returning to the incense burner. The spirits are then sent out of the altar, and one returns again to the incense burner to pay respects.

The incense officials on the left and right, the flying immortal courier dragon mounts, the incense-bearing envoys, the flying heavenly dragon riders, and others should cause a natural golden radiance and precious light to arise upon the numinous altar, reflecting mysterious jade light and the Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of the golden liquor, so that the said person may receive the blessings and auspicious fortune of the Dao, dwelling in freedom and peace, and so that all living beings under heaven may receive this grace. Jade youths and jade maidens of the ten directions stand in attendance as guards, and the incense smoke rises directly before the Limitless Dao, the Utmost Perfect Jade Emperor, to whom the Seven Perfected have submitted their memorial.

The foregoing is the Cizhuang Zhang (a petition document submitting an application) used in the conferral of registers.

In such-and-such commandery, such-and-such county, such-and-such village: the male or female devotee Wang Jia, aged so many years.

The aforementioned persons now submit this document, requesting to receive the three hundred sixty-five sections of mysterious registers of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, and hereby respectfully petition for approval.

In such-and-such commandery, such-and-such county, such-and-such village: male and female youths, aged so many years.

The aforementioned persons now submit this document, requesting to receive the mysterious register of the Jade Immortal One-General Youth of the Unsurpassed Nine Heavens, and hereby respectfully petition for approval.

Offerings: two hundred coins, five bundles of firewood.

The aforementioned “receiving three hundred and six years,” “two hundred coins and five bundles of firewood,” and similar items are the years of age and the tokens of faith listed when applying to receive the registers. The “registers” (lu) are the legal documents that Daoism confers upon those cultivating the Dao, recording their appointed rank as well as the divine clerks, soldiers, and generals under their command; the coins and firewood are the tokens of faith enumerated in the text.

The Heavenly Worthy of the Clear Mystery Limitless Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Mysterious Qi (vital energy), together with the administration of the Long-Bright Golden Perfected Jade Emperor: on the left stands the Flowing-Light Jade Heaven Perfected of ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine layers of Clear True Mysterious Qi; on the right stands the Golden Mystery Precious Light Perfected of eighty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight layers of Accumulated Yang Primordial Qi; in the center stands the Jade Mystery Golden Origin Perfected containing hundreds of millions of layers of Clear Subtle True Qi. Together they command the nine hundred million ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine layers of Qi of the Upper Scenery Clear Void Naturally Generating Spirit Wondrous Qi, as well as the Most Perfected Void Mysterious Elders of the Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens; they also command the Thirty-Six Perfected Sovereigns under the High Supreme Jade Emperor, the Capital Supervisors of the Orthodox Administration, and the Jade Judicial Kings of the Ten Directions without Outline.

The Seven Perfected of Golden Brightness kowtow and bow repeatedly to the High Supreme True Majestic Orthodox Qi. Respectfully following what is recorded in the Daoist Keyi (liturgy): now there are male and female devotees who previously received the inspiration and guidance of the true masters, were granted heavenly official administrative positions, and further had the fortune to advance in the wondrous methods of the Supreme Dao’s Three Caverns, receiving the grace of Daoist methods they originally dared not hope for. Yet we were born in the dusty secular world, our destinies entangled by the Three Calamities; we have committed errors, been stained by evil habits which through long practice became our nature, been incautious in body and mind, and violated the precepts. Sins have piled up like mountains, faults as deep as the oceanic abyss, thus incurring major culpability.

We have heard that the Great Dao compassionately nurtures all things, its grace extending throughout the Ten Directions, encompassing the myriad streams, moistening the Three Realms and Six Paths, reaching everywhere without exception. We, greedy for advancement while forgetting to withdraw, cannot save ourselves; we respectfully present this written statement to the Mysterious Perfected, taking refuge in the Three Honored Ones (the three deities venerated in Daoism), requesting to receive the Mysterious Registers of the Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Departments of the True Numina of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, together with the generals, soldiers, heavenly officials, and clerks they command, thereby to cross the long and perilous river of birth and death. After receiving the methods, we will certainly practice according to the Keyi (liturgy) and dare not violate it.

Seeing us continually kowtowing, the Seven Perfected then additionally confer upon them the heavenly official rank and register. Now, according to our commandery, county, village, name, and age, we draft the memorial on this day, reporting the heavenly official titles and the above application contents. We humbly pray that the Limitless Great Dao, the Unsurpassed Golden Palace Jade Emperor, the Supreme Perfected Great Sage, will dispatch the Immortal Jade Gentlemen of the Three Heavens Immortal Capital Office and the Envoys of the Nine Heavens True Kings who Supervise Perfection and Save Destiny, to summon the heavenly officials, determine the official duties, and on a certain day of this month confer the registers upon us, performing the ritual bowing and assignment with detailed registration, and submitting the memorial to the presence of the Limitless Great Dao.

The Seven Perfected of Golden Brightness kowtow and bow again, present the document, sending it to the Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace in the Supreme Origin of the Upper Nine Heavens, requesting to examine and summon the Clear True Orthodox Qi.

On a certain year, month, day, and zi hour, the Jinming Qizhen (Seven Perfected of Golden Brightness), the seven true spirits who preside over this ritual, present this document in a certain commandery, county, township, and village.

The Supreme Mystery of the Upper Nine Heavens, the Unsurpassed True Illumination of the Great Assembly of the Utmost Perfected, descend and dispatch.

The foregoing constitutes the Zhangyi for the bestowal of Fulu (talismans and registers), the ritual document submitted to the celestial court requesting the conferral of registers.

The Jinming Qizhen of the qi of a certain zhi affiliated with the Heavenly Worthy of Qingxuan Wuji Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Mysterious Qi bow their heads twice in reverence to the Gaoshang Zhenwei Zhengqi and, in accordance with the Xuan Ke (mysterious ordinances of Daoist ritual), respectfully submit this memorial: There are now a certain number of male and female devotees who have submitted written statements, kowtowed, and performed rites, requesting to receive the Shangyuan Jiutian Zhenling Three Hundred Sixty-Five Departments Mysterious Registers.

In accordance with the Keyi (liturgy), the Jinming Qizhen have on a certain day of this month assigned celestial official titles and ranks to these devotees and have previously entered the above matters into a Zhangbiao presented before the Dao. We humbly pray that the Limitless Great Dao, the Utmost True Great Sage, the Supreme Heavenly Worthy, look down upon the mysterious realm, compassionately descend, and open the Mysterious Registers of the Three Hundred Sixty-Five Departments of True Spirits, enabling these devotees to receive salvation, to leave the sea of suffering, and to take this Xuanlu forever as a precious treasure protecting the body.

We further pray that the Messenger of the High Supreme Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens Supervising the Perfected, the Jade Youth Messenger of the Immortal Emperor of the Mysterious Capital Supervising the Covenant, the Feathered Youth Messengers of the Jade Bureau of Flying Heaven Opening Salvation of the Ten Directions Divine Immortals, and the Messengers of the Dao True Duke of Disaster Dispelling of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens Golden Palace Jade Emperor descend together. May the celestial true spirits ride forth, floral canopies covering heaven and earth, divine light circulating like lightning, sweeping away the horde of evils of the Six Heavens, summoning the spirit officials of the Three Realms to descend together to inspect and oversee, opening and conferring upon these devotees the Shangyuan Jiutian Zhenling Three Hundred Sixty-Five Departments Mysterious Registers. Please list one by one the affiliated generals, soldiers, celestial officials, and officers and deliver them to those receiving salvation, to forever garrison and guard their persons.

May these spirits pervade heaven and earth and circulate swiftly, sweep away the horde of evils of the Six Heavens, summon the spirit officials of the Three Realms to descend together, and confer upon the devotees the Shangyuan Jiutian Zhenling Three Hundred Sixty-Five Departments Mysterious Registers and their affiliated divine generals and officials, causing them to long garrison and guard the three hundred sixty-five palaces and chambers in the bodies of those receiving salvation (the parts of the body corresponding to the spirits), without allowing the primordial Qi (vital energy) therein to become disordered.

The Jinming Qizhen prostrate themselves and offer a Zhangbiao written on paper. We earnestly request the Limitless Great Dao, the Unsurpassed Golden Palace Jade Emperor, the Utmost True Great Sage, to take pity on the matters memorialized by the Seven Perfected and, according to the circumstances, separately arrange the functions of the Pure True Mysterious Qi and the transforming and nurturing of the life spirits and gods, conferring the celestial true officials and spirit affiliates upon these devotees so that they constantly protect and tend them, with divine light operating like lightning distributed throughout the various parts of the body, forever becoming their protective treasure of the body.

We respectfully request the Direct True Talisman Officials, the Flying Heaven Jade Youths who come riding flying dragons, and the Flying Perfected White Tiger Gods, Dragon-Riding Officials and others, each one thousand two hundred in number, charged with transmitting the Zhangbiao, to transmit this petition along the relay routes and present it before the throne of the Unsurpassed Utmost True Jade Emperor. The Jinming Qizhen bow their heads twice and submit this memorial.

Jinming Qizhenzi, registered in the Jade Kingdom of Golden Aspect and Cavernous Illumination, Nine Perfected Township, Upper Scenery Golden Wheel Ward.

The above format follows the Taiqing ritual protocol.

In such-and-such year, month, day, and hour according to the Tai Sui calendar, the memorial is presented at such-and-such ward.

Ritual for Sending Forth the Officials of the Nine Heavens Perfected Spirits of the Upper Prime

When ordinary people, facing urgent difficulties, request the bestowal of blessings, they perform the kowtow, then bow twice and present the memorial.

Jinming Qizhenzi, registered in the Jade Kingdom of Golden Aspect and Cavernous Illumination, Nine Perfected Township, Upper Scenery Golden Wheel Ward.

The above format follows the Taiqing ritual protocol.

In such-and-such year, month, day, and hour according to the Tai Sui calendar, the memorial is presented at such-and-such ward.

Ritual for Sending Forth the Officials of the Nine Heavens Perfected Spirits of the Upper Prime

This is the general memorial-presenting ritual used by ordinary people when seeking emergency relief and blessings.

Next, enter the quiet chamber, face east and bow twice; if it is nighttime, face north to present the statement of the petition. Then kneel at length before the altar table and pinch incense three times. After completing this, rise and stand. Then strike the Heavenly Drum twenty-four times and proceed with the Furnace-Opening ritual. Furnace-Opening is a segment within Daoist memorial-presenting ceremonies, intended to burn incense to initiate the petition and communicate with the deities.

The Limitless Perfected of Clear Mystery of the Upper Three Heavens, the Mysterious Primordial Original Qi (Qi, vital energy), the Limitless Dao (Dao, the Way), the Most High Lord Lao, together with the left and right incense officials, the flying immortal courier-dragon mounts, the incense-bearing envoys, the flying heavenly dragon riders, and the jade youths and jade maidens attending the incense of the Five Emperors, twenty-four of each, come forth together. They report upward to the Void and Spontaneity, the Primordial Heavenly Worthy: so-and-so is now burning incense and presenting such-and-such a memorial, wishing that the orthodox and true vital breath of the Most High of the Ten Directions descend into the body of Jia. The matter presented shall go directly up before the Limitless Dao, the Most True Jade Emperor.

When the ritual is complete, bow twice, then kneel at length before the incense table and announce the dispatching of officials and generals to present the memorial.

Respectfully request to dispatch from within the body of so-and-so, disciple of the Perfected, Jia, the True Officials of the Five Bodies, Merit Officers and Envoys, to proceed before the Most True Jade Emperor.

When the ritual is complete, bow twice, then kneel at length before the incense table and announce the dispatching of officials and generals to present the memorial.

Respectfully request to dispatch from within the body of so-and-so, disciple of the Perfected, Jia, the True Officials of the Five Bodies, Merit Officers and Envoys, two of each category. The Merit Officers of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, two of each category. The Ascending-Mystery Merit Officers of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, two of each category. The Left Mystery True Brightness Merit Officers of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, two of each category. The Right Mystery Great Perfected Merit Officers of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, two of each category. The Yang Spirit Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers of the Nine Heavens of the Upper Prime, two of each category.

The Yin-spirit Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Gongcao of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine clerks responsible for transmitting documents and executing divine offices, number two of each type of divine office. The Upper Immortal Capital Healing Gongcao of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens number two of each. The Upper Ling Soaring Heavenly Ding Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens number two of each. The Upper Ling Soaring Talisman-Executing Temple-Breaking Vajra Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for executing talismans and breaking evil temples, number two of each. The Upper Ling Soaring Demon-Subduing Punitive-Killing Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for subduing demons and carrying out punitive killings, number two of each. The Upper Ling Soaring Spirit-Capturing Ghost-Eating Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for capturing spirits and devouring ghosts, number two of each. The Upper Ling Soaring Jing-Capturing Toxin-Eating Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for capturing jing and swallowing toxic evils, number two of each. The Upper Ling Flying Heaven Investigating-Summoning Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for investigating and summoning, number two of each. The Upper Ling Flying Heaven Langli Flying-Talisman Capturing-Summoning Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for transmitting talismanic writings and capturing and summoning spirits, number two of each. The Upper Ling Flying Heaven Red Floating Officials of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens number two of each. The Upper Ling Flying Heaven Langli Flying-Talisman Capturing-Summoning Lishi of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine generals responsible for transmitting talismanic writings and capturing and summoning spirits, number two of each. The Upper Ling Flying Heaven Red Floating Golden-Chariot Feathered Lang Officials of the Upper Origin Nine Heavens, divine officials who ride golden chariots and are equipped with feathered regalia, number two of each. The Unsurpassed Upper Origin Nine Heavens’ Upper Ling Flying Heaven White Tiger Memorial-Escorting Immortal Dragon Riding Clerks, divine clerks who ride immortal dragons and whose memorials are escorted by white tigers, number two of each.

Respectfully summon from within the body of Jia the True Official Messengers, the Direct True Talisman Clerks of the Immortal Capital (Xiandu), and the commanding Official Messengers of the Immortal Capital, one thousand two hundred of each category. Order them to compose their appearance, dress themselves properly, don caps and fasten sashes, arrange the celestial ritual insignia, and station themselves throughout the four directions and eight quarters, guarding Jia on the left, right, front, and rear. Their radiance shines brilliantly, flowing like lightning, pervading heaven and earth, sweeping away all inauspiciousness, so that divine light illuminates the palatial dwelling of a certain person as well as the place opened by the Mysterious Mirror.

Now there is a certain man or woman of the common people named Jia from a given commandery, county, township, and village. In accordance with the specific matter at hand, one should orally report and submit a memorial, saying: “Respectfully borrowing the name of a certain Jia, I bow and invite the heavenly officials, presenting one paper memorial, requesting that a thousand kinds of faults and punishments be dissolved on behalf of a certain person. If there is any other matter, it may also be stated here. Respectfully borrowing the name of a certain Jia, I bow and invite the heavenly officials, presenting one paper memorial, requesting that a thousand kinds of faults and punishments be dissolved on behalf of a certain person. If there is any other matter, it may also be stated here. May grudges be reconciled and the other party assisted, so that disasters dissipate and calamities are eliminated, dangers removed and evil spirits extinguished, everything thoroughly cleared away. The decline and misfortune suffered by a certain family are all pardoned; illness is healed, a hundred blessings gather, all undertakings proceed smoothly and auspiciously, ultimately attaining great good fortune. May the compassionate true deities descend to protect a certain family, so that the entire household receives their grace.”

Jia now respectfully reports to the Limitless Dao (Wuji Dao, the Way), the Primordial Beginning Supreme Jade Emperor, His Majesty the Unsurpassed Direct Great Sage Heavenly Worthy of the Golden Palace Jade Emperor, the Lord of the Nine Elders of the Immortal Capital and the Elder of the Nine Qi, the True Officials of the Upper Spirit Immortal Capital, the Capital Official Messengers of Investigation and Summoning of Conduct Records, and the High Supreme Dharma King Unsurpassed Eight Origins Celestial Master (Tianshi). Pray that they issue a decree to the various heavens of the ten directions, the eight extremes and five directions, as well as the various officials who inspect and summon according to the Three Origins, Four Beginnings, and the sexagenary cycle, the seventy-two official lords, the thirty-six officials of Red Yang corresponding to Bing and Ding, and all the spirit officials and subordinates of heaven and earth, mountains and peaks, the Huai, Ji, and Du rivers, the Nine Rivers, and the Eight Seas, to inquire after and convene the local True Officials of this place and the divine lords in charge of the community, village, and territorial borders. All deities should obey the decree, transmitting the memorial on behalf of a certain person according to the origin of the matter, ensuring that it necessarily reaches the upper realms without being withheld so as to delay the official document. The gods of heaven and the spirits of earth should mutually protect one another.

If there are any subordinate officials overseeing the world below, former lords of villages and towns, or spirits of fierce and improper vital energy (Qi) who intercept the memorial en route and prevent it from ascending, the soldiers of the heavenly officials should, in accordance with the orthodox statutes of the Immortal Capital, the Three Heavens, and the Mysterious Capital, take them into custody and send them to the prison of Heavenly Unity in the Northern Taiyin. It is imperative that the memorial ascend smoothly and be presented directly before the Limitless Dao, the Ultimate True Jade Emperor.

After the ritual is concluded, kowtow once more, then immediately present the memorial. Once the memorial has been completed, once again solemnly reaffirm the matter that has been performed.

Next, the merits are stated.

Jia (the ritual officiant) once again visualizes the various perfected merit officers, celestial officials, generals, clerks and soldiers, capital officials and envoys within the body, together with the flying-heaven white tigers, the immortals who deliver the petition, the dragon-riding clerks and other spirits. Jia reports to the celestial officials to whom the petition is to be submitted: “On behalf of so-and-so, regarding such-and-such a matter, according to the specific circumstances of the affair, I hereby submit one written petition following the text.” After the petition has been presented, one prays that by virtue of this merit the family of so-and-so may deliver their nine mysterious ancestors and seven progenitors (the nine generations of ancestors and successive lineage relatives), enabling them to be released from culpability in the Five Paths (the five destinations of sentient beings in the cycle of rebirth) and exempted from the Ten Sufferings, Eight Difficulties and the punishments of the Three Paths (the three realms of suffering: hells, hungry ghosts and animals). Both the living and the deceased receive salvation, ascend to heaven to enjoy blessings, obtain clothing and food offerings in the Southern Palace, and felicity naturally circulates.

May the illnesses of all the old and young in so-and-so’s family be healed; if the prayer is for a particular matter, may that matter likewise be resolved. May what is seen in dreams be explained, and may what is sought indeed come to pass. The sprites, ghosts and goblins that previously caused hauntings, the epidemic toxins of the five directions, the wangliang that hunt amid the clouds, and the fierce ghosts and evil kinds that wander everywhere shall from this day all dissipate and be extinguished, so that disasters no longer occur, a hundred blessings gather together, and they long enjoy great auspiciousness. The scripture further repeats the prayer that these epidemic toxins, wangliang and fierce ghosts and evil kinds dissipate from this day, that disasters not arise, that a hundred blessings gather, and that they long enjoy auspicious fortune. May those whom Jia instructs all receive instruction, those whom he treats all be healed, those whom he subdues all submit, and may they jointly protect and defend.

The various perfected celestial officials under Jia’s command each soar into the air, riding clouds, and return to the Golden City and Jade Palaces (the palaces and offices of the heavenly realm), where they peacefully occupy their proper positions, protect the heavenly realm, assist the human world and closely guard Jia’s person. Within the body there are one thousand two hundred ranks of orthodox and true celestial officials, each of whom returns from the vermilion gates and wondrous palaces to their appointed posts. Jia presents the submitted matter before the Limitless Great Dao (the Way). The ritual completed, the officiant kowtows once more.

Next, the incense burner is recovered.

The incense officials of left and right, the flying immortal post-dragon riders, the incense-bearing envoys, the flying-heaven dragon riders and so forth shall cause golden radiance and precious light to arise naturally both inside and outside the numinous altar and the quiet chamber, reflecting mysterious jade light and the essence of golden fluid. May the family of so-and-so enjoy unimpeded felicity, and may the whole world share in this grace; may the jade youths and jade maidens of the ten directions attend upon the incense smoke, so that the incense smoke reaches directly before the Limitless Great Dao and the Most Perfect Jade Emperor to whom Jia has presented the petition. The ritual completed, the officiant then withdraws.

Jinming said: When the Seven Perfected received the High and Superior Mysterious Register (the secret Daoist register conferred from above), the Golden Mouth personally transmitted the essential instructions and on this basis compiled this set of ritual regulations, which were then conferred together with the transmission Keyi (liturgy) and compiled into this single volume. The “mysterious register” spoken of here refers to the documents presented before the imperial presence.

Jinming said: The Seven Perfected Ones (the seven Zhenren venerated in Daoism) received the Mysterious Register of the High and Supreme (the mysterious Falu bestowed by the High and Supreme). This register was personally transmitted with oral instructions from the Golden Mouth, used to establish the models of ritual, and accompanied by Keyi (liturgy) regulations for transmission and practice; together they constitute this volume.

The operation of the Mysterious Register always accords with the natural transformations of the Seven Perfected Ones, in order to assist the Thirty-six Perfected Sovereigns in presiding over the Orthodox Dao (the Way) and in teaching during the Age of Worthies (the virtuous era spoken of in Buddhist, Daoist, and similar traditions). If the sentient beings of the ten directions of Heaven and the human world do not know that the Qi (vital energy) of the myriad Daos is about to be exhausted and the old order is coming to an end, they need only observe that forged liturgical methods have been abolished, and they will know that the Jing (scriptures) of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen) are about to become manifest, and that the true Jing will be clearly revealed, bright and pure like a Dharma-mirror.

When the Orthodox Dao begins to circulate, the Orthodox Dharma takes effect in its wake, the teachings of the Three Caverns Jing flourish accordingly, and the Dharma teachings thereby prosper, so that the myriad demons are all subdued. At that time the celestial deities no longer accept sacrifices, the spirits no longer accept shrine worship, ghosts no longer accept food offerings, goblins conceal themselves, perverse lust and calamities are extinguished, the Six Heavens return to rectitude, and the heterodox side-paths among the people also submit. That time is truly a moment worthy of celebration; how could the sentient beings of the ten directions of Heaven and the human world not rejoice?

I now briefly recount the subsequent chapters as proof. These contents are to be transmitted and announced to worthies of later generations; do not divide this volume, extract it separately, and compile it into other volumes. Those who violate this will suffer punishment like the wind-blade; how can one not be cautious? If transmission is to take place, one need only proceed according to this text, and naturally will not stray from the original lineage; one must carefully and reverently put it into practice. The true decree of the Jade Emperor must not be disobeyed; the Seven Perfected Ones guarantee this with their persons and their cultivation, and truly dare not fail the sagely teaching.

The Heavenly Lord of Supreme Mystery, Orthodox Truth, Mysterious Origin, Pure Mystery, Limitless True Highest; the Heavenly Lord of True Brightness; the Unsurpassed Heavenly Lord; the Most High Lord of the Great Dao; the Dao Lord of the True Mysterious Generating Qi of hundreds of millions of layers; the Most High Lord Lao; the Most High Elder, ...

Tai Xuan Zhengzhen Xuanyuan Qingxuan Wuji True Highest Heavenly Lord, Heavenly Lord of True Illumination, Unsurpassed Heavenly Lord, Most High Lord of the Great Dao (the Way), Dao Lord of the True Mystery Generating Qi (vital energy) of a hundred million myriad layers, Most High Lord Lao, Most High Elder, Lord of the Nine Elders of the Immortal Capital, and Lord of the Dao Qi of a hundred million myriad layers—Your Majesty of the True Heaven. Totaling sixty-one characters.

Taiqing Xuanyuan Qingxuan Wuji True Highest Heavenly Worthy, Heavenly Worthy of the Great Assembly of True Illumination, Unsurpassed Heavenly Worthy of Golden Illumination, Heavenly Lord of the Limitless Great Dao of Upper Mystery Generating Immortal Mystery Qi of a hundred million myriad layers, Lord of the Dao Qi of a hundred million myriad layers of the Generating Qi of the Three Primes, and Elder of the Nine Elder True Immortals—before the Golden Illumination Palace. Totaling sixty-one characters.

The two passages above do not belong to the main text of this volume. Their meanings have not yet been fully elucidated, so they are provisionally appended here. The latter passage is used when performing the Great Memorial ritual, and the former when performing the Lesser Memorial ritual. Here “memorial” (zhang) refers to the petitions or ritual documents employed in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremonies.