《玉清上宫科太真文》

Violating the teacher's commands and treating the Dao (the Way) with neglect, attacking teachers and damaging the teachings of the Dao; envying and hating teachers, obstructing the Dao, deceiving teachers and insulting the teachings of the Dao. One should instead love and cherish one's teachers and hold the Dao in high regard; respect teachers and honor the teachings of the Dao; receive the teacher's instruction and have faith in the teachings of the Dao; take joy in drawing close to teachers and turning toward the Dao; serve teachers and seek the Dao; revere teachers and treasure the Dao; constantly remember teachers and protect and uphold the teachings of the Dao; follow teachers and walk toward the Dao. The above is listed as the first grade, under the jurisdiction of the Shangyuan Mingfan Taiming Cao (the celestial bureau in charge of assessing immortals), administered by two hundred and forty thousand personnel.

Treating the scriptures lightly and despising the teachings of the Dao, destroying the scriptures and neglecting the teachings of the Dao; doubting the scriptures and slandering the teachings of the Dao, damaging the scriptures and harming the teachings of the Dao; leaking the scriptures and exposing the teachings of the Dao, transmitting the scriptures yet treating the teachings of the Dao with contempt; stealing the scriptures and misappropriating the teachings of the Dao, going against the scriptures and betraying the teachings of the Dao. One should instead revere the scriptures (Jing) and value the methods; respect the scriptures and treasure the methods; believe in the scriptures and turn toward the methods; cherish the scriptures and hold the methods dear; regard the scriptures and the methods as precious treasures and guard them with care; transmit the scriptures and put the methods into practice; protect the scriptures with oaths of alliance and honor the teacher's methods; follow the scriptures and seek the methods. The above is listed as the second grade, under the jurisdiction of the Zhongyuan Taiyang Cao (the celestial bureau in charge of assessing immortals), administered by two hundred and forty thousand personnel.

Drinking wine causes the spirit (Shen) to decline, and addiction to wine leads to confusion and waste; alcoholism causes one to lose one's constant nature, and wine leads to cautious anger; excessive drinking damages the original Qi (vital energy), and drunkenness causes unrestrained excess; making merry with wine leads to crying out, and after drunkenness the mind is dazed. One should instead moderate drinking and cultivate the mind-nature; abstain from wine and swallow saliva to nourish life (in Daoist cultivation, swallowing the saliva in the mouth to regulate and nourish the body); cut off drinking and stabilize the spirit; restrain drinking so that conduct remains within constant bounds; drink with caution and examine oneself; stay far from drinking and constantly remember the true Dao; give up drinking and respectfully observe the rites and laws; set aside matters of wine and bring inner peace.

The Third Grade: the Lower Origin Legal Decrees True Immortal Bureau Examination Officials, managed by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

This grade prohibits sexual dissipation and defilement, as well as illicit relations among blood relatives; coveting the wives and daughters of others and giving oneself over to unrestrained indulgence; wasting Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy), greed and turbidity, affectation and arrogance; addiction to enjoyment and splendor, in violation of the taboos of the Heavenly Dao (the Way).

One should diligently purify one’s inner heart and rectify one’s person, dwelling in harmony with kin; hold fast to original authenticity, examine one’s conduct, and not regard others through wicked thoughts; treasure Jing and nourish Shen (spirit), holding reverence in the heart and restraining oneself; keep a peaceful state of mind, accord with nature, and maintain purity and caution.

The Fourth Grade: the Left Official Yang-Ming True Qi Bureau Examination Immortal Officials, managed by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

This grade prohibits uttering venomous speech and stirring up gossip, attacking matters that are not factual, and discussing the gains and losses of others; envying others and elevating oneself, stirring up contention between the human realm and the heavenly realm; creating right and wrong everywhere, thereby injuring Shen and primordial Qi.

One should treat the myriad things with a heart of benevolence and cherish one’s words; open the mouth with caution, examine one’s faults, and think of goodwill when speaking; handle speech through humility and accordance with righteousness, being adept at using words to bring about harmony; always let good words issue from the mouth, regarding cautious speech as a precious thing, in order to cultivate Shen.

The Fifth Grade: the Right Official Yin Origin Examination Immortal Bureau Examination Immortal Officials, managed by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

This grade prohibits injuring and taking human life, damaging fetuses and harming pregnant women; shooting down flying birds and killing the six domestic animals; releasing hawks and setting loose dogs to hunt and kill, hoping that others meet with death or failure; cruelly harming weak and small living beings, causing grasses, trees, flowers, and fruits to wither and suffer damage before their time.

One should cherish human life and care for the flourishing of life; likewise take thought for the flight of birds, considering their brief span of years and their inability to distinguish fortune from calamity; wish that people achieve success, constantly hold a heart of great compassion, and protect and tend the luxuriance of plants and trees.

The Sixth Grade: the Central Palace Great True Bureau General Immortal Examination Officials, managed by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

This grade prohibits seizing what others hold dear, concealing or appropriating precious goods.

Those who steal property, damage items, or take things without authorization and give them to others; those who plot rebellion, violate the Dao and righteousness, and attempt to harm the sovereign or father should all harbor great compassion and wish for all things to flourish and prosper.

The sixth grade: The chief immortal examiners of the Zhonggong Dazheng Cao (Central Palace Great Rectitude Bureau) oversee this category of assessment, jointly administered by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

Those who seize others’ cherished possessions, embezzle treasures, steal property, damage items, or take things without authorization and give them away; who plot rebellion, go against the Dao and righteousness, and seek to harm the ruler or father; who recruit vicious individuals and plunder at will should distance themselves from toil and greed, cleanse their thoughts, and remain pure. They should uphold integrity, act with caution, avoid suspicion, and stay clear of doubt; they should hold loyalty and reverence in their hearts and diligently fulfill the duties they have undertaken. Their inner minds should remain empty, luminous, and tranquil, settled and sincere, without encroaching upon any of the myriad things.

The seventh grade: The upright immortal examiners of the Xuanqi Shiming Cao (Mysterious Qi Initial Illumination Bureau) oversee this category of assessment, jointly administered by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

Those who secretly undermine the loyal and virtuous, hoping that others will be injured and defeated; who expose others’ private affairs and seize upon their faults; who agree outwardly while opposing inwardly; who speak fair words while harboring malice in their hearts; who act through deception and opportunistic cunning, with ornate speech but no substance, should refrain from harming the myriad things and wish for peace throughout the world. They should not reveal others’ secrets or take advantage to attack their shortcomings; they should make their outer words and deeds consistent with their inner thoughts, achieving harmony between inside and outside. They should hold loyalty and uprightness in their hearts, with a firm exterior and a sincere interior.

The eighth grade: The departmental immortal examiners of the Yuanqi Huangling Cao (Primordial Qi Yellow Numinous Bureau) oversee this category of assessment, jointly administered by two hundred and forty thousand persons.

Those who desecrate and slight the Three Luminaries of sun, moon, and stars, failing to revere the deities; who expose the Five Sacred Mountains and treat rivers and seas with contempt; who destroy and abandon Jingci shrines and burn the scriptures of the sages; who slay spirits and mock the true immortals should dress neatly and be cautious in their comings and goings. They should revere the Dao of emptiness, honor the famous mountains, and purify the clear streams; they should wish that the Dao always abide and respect the sacred sounds of heaven. They should ensure that ghosts and spirits harbor no resentment and joyfully turn toward the immortal Dao.

The first of the ninth rank belongs to the Shiqi Dongming Cao (a Daoist divine office). Its Great Immortal Examiners number two hundred and forty thousand in total and are responsible for administering examinations.

The nine articles of disciplinary law of the Taizhen Wen are used to examine the conduct of Shangzhen (high-ranking immortals) and practitioners who hold to immortal methods. Minor examinations take place once every three years, and those being examined must face all manner of arduous trials. Failure to pass the intermediate examination results in the loss of both life and immortal rank. Major examinations occur once every nine years; after undergoing the tribulation of the wind-knives, if one still fails to pass, one loses the status of being human.

Those of minor merit, while living, can behold the light of the world, receive the protection of the Three Realms, and will not encounter untimely death or unforeseen calamity without cause. Those of intermediate merit receive offerings from the myriad spirits, can naturally command and summon the Five Emperors, and associate with Zhenren. Those of great merit who have succeeded in cultivating the Dao can ascend to heaven in broad daylight, mount the Heavenly Palaces, and roam freely in Shangqing (the high heavenly realm of Daoism). The specific grades of merit and demerit are to be found in the Taizhen Kewen.

The Fulu (talismans and registers) in this volume are all written with cinnabar.

The following name the Heavenly Emperor Lords, all of whom are designated “Yuanshi Dongkong Ziran Gaoshang Wang Qi (vital energy) Jinque Shangsheng”: the Taihuang Huangceng Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Taiming Yuwan Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Qingming Hetong Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Xuantai Pingyu Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Yuanming Wenju Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Shangming Qiyao Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Xuwu Yueheng Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Mengyi Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Chiming Heyang Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Xuanming Gonghua Heavenly Emperor Lord, and the Yaoming Zongpiao Heavenly Emperor Lord.

These are all the high-ranking Heavenly Emperor Lords venerated by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), who reside in the Jinque (Golden Palaces, the palaces inhabited by immortals). Their titles are the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi (vital energy) Golden Palace Upper Sage Zhuluo Huangjia Yang Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Xuanming Gonghua Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Yaoming Zongpiao Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Zhuluo Huangjia Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Xuming Tangyao Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Guanming Duanjing Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Xuanming Gongqing Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Taihuan Jiyao Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Yuanzai Kongsheng Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Tai’an Huangya Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Xianding Jifeng Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Shihuang Xiaomang Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Taihuang Wengzhong Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Wusi Jiangyou Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Shangdie Ruan Taihuang Wengzhong Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Wusi Jiangyou Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Shangdie Ruanle Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Wuji Tanshi Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Haoting Xiaodu Heavenly Emperor Lord, and the Primordial Cavern Emptiness Natural High Supreme Kingly Qi Golden Palace Upper Sage Yuantong Yuandong Heavenly Emperor Lord.

Yuanshi of the Cavernous Void, Spontaneous Nature, Highest Kingly Qi (vital energy), Golden Palace, Supreme Sage, Great Literary Han Chong Heavenly Emperor Lord; Yuanshi of the Cavernous Void, Spontaneous Nature, Highest Kingly Qi, Golden Palace, Supreme Sage, Taisu Forbidden Upper Heavenly Emperor Lord; Yuanshi of the Cavernous Void, Spontaneous Nature, Highest Kingly Qi, Golden Palace, Supreme Sage, Taixu Constant Fusion Heavenly Emperor Lord; Yuanshi of the Cavernous Void, Spontaneous Nature, Highest Kingly Qi, Golden Palace, Supreme Sage, Taishi Tengsheng Heavenly Emperor Lord; Yuanshi of the Cavernous Void, Spontaneous Nature, Highest Kingly Qi, Golden Palace, Supreme Sage, Dragon Transformation Brahma Crossing Heavenly Emperor Lord; Yuanshi of the Cavernous Void, Spontaneous Nature, Highest Kingly Qi, Golden Palace, Supreme Sage, Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Jia Yi Heavenly Emperor Lord.

Yuanshi (a venerated Daoist deity symbolizing the primordial beginning before the differentiation of heaven, earth, and all things) was in the xuan Qi (profound primordial Qi) before the formation of the pre-heaven. At that time, heaven and earth were chaotic without form, and he transformed nine times a day. Later, a lord deity was generated from the upper xuan green Qi, called "Formless Constant Existence."

This lord deity was born in the green Qi, titled "Formless Constant Existence," with the courtesy name "Luntian Tongzi." After experiencing one kalpa in the Qi, he generated the form of the xuanxuan Qi, transforming nine times a day. Later, this lord deity called "Formless Constant Existence" was generated from the upper xuan green Qi.

The lord deity was born in the green Qi, titled "Formless Constant Existence," with the courtesy name "Luntian Tongzi." After experiencing one kalpa in the Qi, he generated the xuanxuan Qi.

After the xuan Qi was established, at the time when the middle origin yellow Qi began to differentiate, Luntian Tongzi spat out this scripture from his mouth above the azure yang, named the Opening Prior True Scripture, which has thirty-six zhifu clerks (divine clerks responsible for conveying and executing talisman commands). After the three origins (heaven, earth, and water) were established, this scripture appeared in the lunar palace.

Luntian Tongzi was transformed and born in the middle origin yellow Qi, titled "Nameless Lord," with the courtesy name "Guanshiyin." He experienced two kalpas in the yellow Qi, transforming and generating the lower beginning white Qi.

After the middle origin Qi was established, at the time when the middle beginning Qi appeared again, Guanshiyin spat out this scripture from his mouth above the yellow Jing (essence), named the Penetrating Scenery Delivering Spirit Scripture, which has thirty-six zhifu clerks. At the time of the division of the heavenly origin cloud Qi, this text was used to examine the Taishang Zhangren.

Guanshiyin was transformed and born in the lower beginning white Qi, titled "Yuanshi Zhangren," with the courtesy name "Opening Upper Bright." He was situated in the white Qi; this spirit further transformed into three titles, totaling sixteen persons. At the time of the division of the heavenly origin cloud Qi, they were used to examine the Taishang Zhangren.

Guanshiyin was generated through transformation within the primordial white Qi (vital energy)—what Daoism calls the white primordial energy—and received the title Yuanshi Zhangren, with the courtesy name Kaishangming. Within the white Qi he transformed from a single Shen (spirit) into three titles. The three kinds of primordial Qi remained in a chaotic state, and after passing through three kalpas they generated Qingwei Heaven.

After Guanshiyin, the process reached Qingwei Heaven. From within the white Qi, Kaishangming uttered this text from his mouth, entitled the Lingfei Tongxian Dujie Wen (Numinous Flight Scripture for Communicating with Immortals and Crossing Kalpas), and established thirty-six Zhi Fu Li, spirit officials charged with transmitting talismanic commands. In Qingwei Heaven above, this document was used to examine the Taishang Dadaojun (Most High Lord of the Great Dao).

After Qingwei Heaven was established, its Heavenly Emperor was titled Yuanshi Tianwang, with the courtesy name Hunling Shangjing. This courtesy name was also that of Yuanshi Zhangren. Yuanshi Tianwang resided in Qingwei Heaven and governed the Yuqing Upper Palace. After the passage of one kalpa, he generated Yuyu Heaven through transformation.

Qingwei Heaven generated Huangceng Heaven through transformation. Huangceng Heaven is also called Mifanluotai Xiaojue Feitian; it is the capital of the cloud roots and the place where the Yuqing Upper Scripture resides. The Jing (essence) Qi of this heaven opened the True Dongming Jade Treasure, and there were thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

After Yuyu Heaven was established, its Heavenly Emperor was titled Gaosheng Yuchen Taishang Dadao, with the courtesy name Yanchun, and he resided in the Taixuan Capital of Yuyu Heaven.

After Yuyu Heaven passed through two kalpas, it generated Dachi Heaven through transformation.

Yuyu Heaven generated Taiming Yuwan Heaven through transformation. Taiming Yuwan Heaven is also called Yuyue Nalin Chang Yutai Heaven. After the heaven was established, its upper Jing generated the Jiuhui Taichen Dongzhen Ruwu Feijing Yufu (Jade Talisman of the Nine Radiances of the Grand Dawn Dongzhen Entering the Void and Flying Landscape), and there were thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

After Dachi Heaven was established, its Heavenly Emperor was titled Santian Yu Tongzi, named Yuan Zhengxian. After Dachi Heaven passed through three kalpas, it generated Yudan Wuliang Heaven through transformation.

Dachi Heaven generated Qingming Hetong Heaven through transformation. Qingming Hetong Heaven is also called Gaotao Chonglongluo Heaven. After the heaven was established, its upper Jing generated the Guanling Yuanshen Feitian Shengxian Yufu (Jade Talisman of Observing the Numinous Primordial Shen for Flying to Heaven and Generating Immortality), and there were thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

After Yudan Wuliang Heaven was established, its Heavenly Emperor was titled Jiutian Zhangren, with the courtesy name Kaiyuan. Within Wuliang Heaven he passed through one Qi—a Daoist term denoting a stage in the circulation of primordial energy—and subsequently generated Shangchanshan Wuliangshou Heaven through transformation.

The Yudan Wuliang Tian was initially established and subsequently generated the Xuantai Pingyu Tian, also known as the Biluo Kongge Yuli Tian. This heaven established the Upper Jing (essence) and generated the Zongchen Wuji Feixian Dushi Fulu (talismans and registers), attended by thirty-six officials charged with executing the talisman commands. The king of the Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou Tian was first established, bearing the title of Jiutian Zhenwang and the courtesy name Shangming. From the two Qi (vital energy) of the Wuliangshou Tian he generated the Zongchen Wuji Feixian Dushi Fulu, accompanied by thirty-six talisman-holding officials. This same king generated the Shangjian Tian from the two Qi of the Wuliangshou Tian.

The Shangshang Chanshan Wuliang Tian generated the Yuanming Wenju Tian, also called the Jiamo Tanlou Yuyi Tian. This heaven established the Upper Jing and generated the Daya Kanggen Feisheng Dushi Shenxian Jade Fulu, with thirty-six talisman-holding officials. The king of the Shangjian Tian was initially established under the title of Jiuxiao Taizhen Zhangren, courtesy name Ning. From the three Qi of the Shangjian Tian he generated the Doushu Tian. The Shangjian Tian generated the Shangming Qiyao Tian, also known as the Fudao Gaihua Fuluo Tian. This heaven established the Upper Jing and generated the Feiyuan Xuanjing Chenping Dushi Shenxian Jade Fulu, attended by thirty-six talisman-holding officials.

The king of the Doushu Tian was first established, titled Jiuxiao Dazhen Wang. The Shangjian Tian generated the Shangming Qiyao Tian, also called the Fudao Gaihua Fuluo Tian, which established the Upper Jing and produced the Feiyuan Xuanjing Chenping Dushi Shenxian Jade Fulu with thirty-six talisman-holding officials. The king of the Doushu Tian, titled Jiuxiao Dazhen Wang with courtesy name Mingchuan, generated the Bujiaole Tian from the four Qi of the Doushu Tian. The Doushu Tian generated the Xuwu Yueheng Tian, also known as the Weiye Quchu Mo Tian. This heaven established the Upper Jing and generated the Hehui Chenming Yingling Xian Jade Fulu, accompanied by thirty-six talisman-holding officials. The king of the Bujiaole Tian was established with the title Wanshi Xiansheng Donglanglan. From the five Qi of the Bujiaole Tian he generated the Yingsheng Tian.

Qi is the Daoist designation for the primordial vital energy that constitutes heaven, earth, and all things; Fu refers to Fulu possessing sacred efficacy, while the Zhifu Li are the divine officials who hold and carry out these talismanic commands.

Bujiaole Tian generated Taiji Mengyi Tian, also known as Chongrong Yuyu Gusha Tian. This heaven established the Shangqing Qi (vital energy), generated the Dongwei Qizhen Huichen Xuanjing Jade Talisman, and instituted thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials (divine clerks responsible for administering talismanic mandates).

The Heavenly King of Huayingsheng Tian holds the title Jingdao Huangshang Xiansheng and is named Yue. Within Huayingsheng Tian he condensed the Six Qi (six primordial vital energies), thereby generating Fanbao Tian.

Huayingsheng Tian also generated Chiming Heyang Tian, also called Danyuan Cha Baolun Fa Tian. This heaven established the Shangjing Qi, generated the Yugai Duxian Qilong Yinyin Talisman, and instituted thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The Sovereign of Fanbao Tian holds the title Baguan Gaoyuan Xuhuang Zijing Jun and is named Daojing. In Yingsheng Tian he generated Chiming Heyang Tian, also called Danyuan Cha Baolun Fa Tian. This heaven established the Shangjing Qi, generated the Yugai Duxian Qilong Yinyin Talisman, and instituted thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The Sovereign of Fanbao Tian, Baguan Gaoyuan Xuhuang Zijing Jun named Daojing, condensed the Seven Qi within Fanbao Tian and generated Fanmojiayi Tian.

Fanbao Tian generated Xuanming Gonghua Tian, also called Fanyuan Shuixing Tian. This heaven established the Shangjing Qi, generated the Taidushi Feixian Ruyuan Jade Talisman, and instituted thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The Sovereign of Fanmojiayi Tian holds the title Jiuhuang Zitian Lao and is named Zhishu. Within Fanmojiayi Tian he condensed the Eight Qi and generated Bolidahe Tian.

Fanmojiayi Tian generated Yaoming Zongpiao Tian, also called Fanqi Xiaowei Tian. This heaven established the Shangjing Qi, generated the Shenxian Jiubao Yuan Jade Talisman, and instituted thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The Sovereign of Bolidahe Tian originally generated Chijing Taizhen Hunyuan; within Bolidahe Tian he condensed the One Primordial Qi and generated Mokaruming Tian.

Bolidahe Tian generated Zhuluo Huangjia Tian, also called Fanxing Tian. This heaven established the Shangjing Qi. The scripture subsequently repeats the account of how the Sovereign of Bolidahe Tian originally generated Chijing Taizhen Hunyuan, condensed the One Primordial Qi, and generated Mokaruming Tian.

Bolidahe Heaven generated Zhuluo Huangjia Heaven, also called Fanxing Heaven. This heaven established Upper Jing (essence) and thereby generated the “Jade Talisman of Flight through the Cavern Origin,” for use by the immortals; thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials administer these talisman commands. The “jade talisman” (yufu) here is a form of Fulu (talismans and registers), a credential within the Daoist system of immortals used to transmit divine decrees and communicate with the celestial realms; the “Direct Talisman Officials” (zhifuli) are celestial officers charged with holding and administering such commands.

The Imperial Lord of Moke Ruming Heaven bears the honorific title High Supreme Empty Sovereign of Jade Clarity (Yuqing), courtesy name Kaizao. Within Moke Ruming Heaven he generated Aboluo Moruhe Heaven by transformation from the Primordial One.

Moke Ruming Heaven also generated Xuming Tangyao Heaven, also called Fan Heaven. This heaven established Upper Jing (essence) and thereby generated the “Jade Talisman of Salvation and Conveying Commands,” for use by the immortals; there are thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The sovereign of Aboluo Moruhe Heaven bears the honorific title Purple Vacuity High Supreme Primordial Sovereign of Jade Clarity, courtesy name Ji. Within Aboluo Moruhe Heaven he generated Awei Yiluo Heaven by transformation from the Primordial One.

Aboluo Moruqi Heaven generated Guanming Duanjing Heaven, also called Taihao Heaven. This heaven established Upper Jing (essence) and thereby generated the “Jade Talisman of Salvation and Spirit Flight,” for use by the immortals; there are thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The sovereign of Awei Yiluo Heaven bears the honorific title Supreme Sovereign of Jade Clarity, Lord of Jade Vacuity, courtesy name Minglan. Within Awei Yiluo Heaven he generated Taixuan Nashou Heaven by transformation from the Primordial One.

Awei Yiluo Heaven also generated Xuanming Gongqing Heaven, also called Shuiyin Xuansha Heaven. This heaven established Upper Jing (essence) and thereby generated the “Jade Talisman of Salvation and Life Flight,” for use by the immortals; there are thirty-six Direct Talisman Officials.

The Great Perfected Text of the Jade Clarity Upper Palace Keyi (liturgy) (Yuqing Shanggong Ke Taizhen Wen) ends here.

Collation note: The original text contains several suspected errors of transmission or printing. The annotations indicate that “tiantian” is likely a corruption of “tianli” (“the heaven established”), and that “yuan” is likely a corruption of “zi” (courtesy name); the two terms “zhifu” (direct talisman) and “yufu” (jade talisman) have also been supplied on the basis of context.