《洞神三皇七十二君斋方忏仪》

Dongshen Three Sovereigns Seventy-Two Lords Directional Confession Ritual for Zhai (a classic of Daoist Zhaijiao purification rituals and repentance ceremonies):

Edited by Master Guangcheng Du Guangting.

Eastern Nine Heavens Emperor Lord

We respectfully declare: Primordial Qi (Yuanqi) condenses in emptiness, and the Nine Heavens display celestial images. The four seasons thereby begin, as the spring wind blows from the Zhen position in the east. The virtues of the Five Constants spread widely, and the transforming influence of benevolence is carried out in spring. The three lights of sun, moon, and stars commence their movements, and all things originate from this.

At present, the emperor follows the Heavenly Dao in promoting moral transformation, using the Dao (the Way) to set the times aright. His De (virtue) accords with the mild yang qi of spring, radiant as the sun, moon, and stars. In accordance with the ritual regulations, we prepare offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles, and we take refuge in the Eastern Nine Heavens Emperor Lord, the Year Star (Jupiter, of Wood virtue in the Five Phases), the Azure Dragon Seven Mansions of Wood Virtue (the seven eastern lunar mansions), and all the inner and outer stellar officials.

We wish that through this merit, the Nine Qi of the Azure City of Primordial Yang in the Eastern Upper Nine Heavens may descend with trailing mists to come and protect the emperor. We pray that in the three months of spring, all disasters corresponding to the Jia, Yi, Yin, Mao, Chen and other directional positions—such as red stars and hidden luminaries, earthly nets and heavenly webs, natal destiny and current year, primordial chronograms and their clashes—may be entirely dispelled. May the emperor’s name be inscribed in the Azure Slips, and his allotted lifespan increased in the Green Palace. May heaven and earth be in harmony, the Seven Luminaries (sun, moon, and five planets) proceed in stable and correct orbits; winds and rains come at the proper times, cold and heat suit the seasons; the household thrive, the state be at peace, distant lands be tranquil, nearby regions secure, and both officials and commoners inside and outside the court enjoy shared blessings. Upon attaining the Dao, may he unite with the Heavenly Emperor and become True.

Southern Nine Heavens Emperor Lord

We respectfully announce: Essence condenses in the empty and tranquil void. The Cinnabar Heaven (the southern celestial realm) carries out transformative nurturing, circulating the Fire De (Virtue/Power) so that the Jing-Qi of fire shines universally; it spreads civilization, allowing ritual teachings to extend far. Its position stands high in the Nine Heavens, looking down upon the South Pole.

The present emperor, receiving Heaven’s blessing, has been born into the world to set the times aright. His De combines divine intelligence and martial valor, causing the people of the eight directions to turn their hearts toward transformation. His Dao (the Way) accords with honest simplicity and harmony, so that the people of all nations receive the grace of revival and peace. Respectfully following the methods of Zhaijiao (purification ritual) Keyi (liturgy), we present incense, flowers, lamps, candles and other offerings, taking refuge in the Southern Nine Heavens Emperor Lord, the Yinghuo Fire De (the Fire Deity of Mars), the Vermilion Bird Seven Mansions (the southern constellations), and all inner and outer stellar officials.

May this merit invoke the descent of the hanging lights of the Three Qi from the Vermilion Radiance Cinnabar Terrace of the Southern Nine Heavens, to come and protect the emperor. During the three months of summer, unfavorable conditions such as Earth Net and Heavenly Web, red stars and dark luminaries, and clashes of inauspicious stars may appear in the directions of Bing, Ding, Si, Wu, Wei and the like; these may also affect natal destiny and the fortune of the current year (the fate of one’s birth year and the luck of the year in question). We pray with this merit to dissolve the calamities and declining fortunes brought by these star lodges. May the Southern Palace add years to the emperor’s lifespan and inscribe his name on the Cinnabar Registers (the name lists of the immortals), so that his meritorious work of enriching the nation and securing the people may long endure, and that he be enrolled in the registers of longevity. May the court flourish, near and far enjoy peace, the blessings of the realm and the altars of state continue unbroken, and both the military and the people receive good fortune. After attaining the Dao, may he unite with the Heavenly Emperor in the True Dao.

Western Nine Heavens Emperor Lord (the following turns to the content of the Western Emperor Lord)

Since ancient times, the clear Qi (vital energy) and the turbid Qi have differentiated to form Heaven and Earth, with Yin-Yang each occupying their designated positions. When autumn arrives, the Qi of the Nine Heavens is made austere and pure; among the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) the Metal Qi is in motion, and the atmospheric conditions of the four seas become clear and bright. The moral principles of the Five Constants are thereby established, and the functions of the myriad things are accordingly accomplished.

Now the emperor has been born in accordance with the Mandate of Heaven, assisting the present age and disseminating the government of De (Virtue/Power), so that All-under-Heaven receives instruction and transformation and turns its heart toward the good. His meritorious achievements stand lofty and great, in harmony with the transforming and nurturing work of Heaven and Earth. The emperor constantly relies upon the mysterious and wondrous Daoist Keyi (liturgy) to bring stability to the nation. Therefore, carefully following the regulations of the Keyi, he presents offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles, sincerely offering ritual homage to the Western Nine Heavens Emperor-Lord, the Taibai Metal Jing (essence) White Tiger Seven Mansions (the seven lunar lodges of the western White Tiger asterism), as well as the various inner and outer stellar officials.

May this merit and virtue be used to pray that the Seven Qi Flowing Radiance of the Western Nine Heavens Pure Splendor Bright Palace descend and come forth to protect the emperor. During the three months of autumn, in the directions and times of Geng, Xin, Shen, You, and Xu, should there appear earthly nets and heavenly snares (symbolizing inauspicious stellar-fate configurations of wrapping calamity), red stars and dark luminaries, assaults by malefic stars, or other unfavorable circumstances, together with the various disasters and declining fortunes within the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) and Nine Palaces, may they all be dissolved at once.

May the names of the various Western sages be inscribed upon the Seven Treasures Golden Gate; may the lofty host of Perfected Ones add years to the emperor’s lifespan in the Jade Registers of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) (the celestial immortal registers of which Daoism speaks). May the winds of the eight directions be harmonious and unimpeded, the five grains enjoy abundant harvests, blessings extend throughout the nation, and auspicious celebrations benefit both the military and the people. After attaining the Dao (the Way), may he unite in truth with the Heavenly Emperor, that is, merge with the true Dao of the heavenly realm.

Northern Nine Heavens Emperor-Lord

Respectfully we hear: Dongyin (the profound and mysterious yin qi) coalesces and generates, with the North Pole occupying the position of honor. The vast and boundless Daluo Heaven rules over all the heavens, while the pure and subtle original nature transforms and nurtures all things. The Dao (the Way) stands higher than the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and wisdom pervades all things.

Now the emperor’s reputation has been illustrious since ancient times, his grace extending throughout the four directions. He has long performed meritorious deeds of aid and relief, bringing the world into accord with the fortune of Great Peace. At present we respectfully follow the ritual protocols of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) Keyi (liturgy), presenting offerings of incense, flowers, lamps and candles, and take refuge in the Nine Heavenly Lords of the North, together with the Chen Star that governs Water De (Virtue), the seven lunar mansions of Xuanwu, and all inner and outer stellar officials.

May this merit be used to pray that the Mysterious Yin Azure Palace of the Nine Heavens of the North send down the five Qi (vital energy) as flying mists to come and protect the emperor. Should the emperor, during the three winter months, have his natal destiny or current year situated in the directions of Ren, Gui, Hai, Zi or Chou, and encounter clashes and breaks with natal original stars, red stars and dark luminaries, the Earth Net and Heavenly Net and similar calamities, may all such disasters and declining fortunes be completely resolved.

We pray that the Jade Capital look down in witness and the Golden Towers bestow their grace: may the emperor increase his longevity in the Forest of Seven Treasures to equal that of the chun and pine trees, and may auspicious signs of luan and phoenix descend within the Palaces of Five Brightness. May all things be at peace and the entire palace, high and low, celebrate together; after attaining the Dao, may he unite in authenticity with the Heavenly Emperor.

I have heard of the Dao (the Way): the great earth forms the myriad things, and the four quarters of the earth constitute the territories between heaven and earth. The waves of the four seas surge vast and mighty, unfathomable in depth; the realms of the eight directions are broad, secluded, and remote, difficult to exhaust.

Now the emperor, strictly observing the regulations of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) liturgy, has prepared offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles. With utmost sincerity he takes refuge in the Eastern Nine Earths Sovereign Lord (the divine lord who administers the nine soils of the east), as well as all the spirits of the Eastern Peak’s mountains and rivers, hills, plains, highlands, rivers, seas, streams, and valleys. He confesses and atones: from the founding of the state until today, whether through building residences and earth-moving construction involving untimely excavation and chiseling, or through opening mountains and rivers and expanding building sites, thereby startling the great earth and offending the Sovereign Lord. He deeply fears that these faults have accumulated in the four quarters of the earth, that calamities will befall every region, that strange events cannot be pacified, and that diseases will occur in succession.

Now, with one heart turning toward the Great Dao, taking refuge in the Supreme Thearch, and entrusting his nature and life to the True Sovereign, he sets up the Precious Zhai of the Three Sovereigns (the purification ritual dedicated to the Three Sovereigns) and performs the Dongshen (Cavern of Spirit) ritual. He prays for favorable weather, peace in the four seas, and tranquility throughout the empire. May Yin-Yang be harmonious, the myriad things be at peace, Dao and De (Virtue/Power) flourish, and the nation be stable. May the emperor’s heart-nature be pure, sincere, and peaceful, his body healthy and long-lived, as firm as metal and stone; may the six viscera be in harmony and the joints and meridians throughout his body unobstructed. May the emperor’s whole family constantly enjoy auspiciousness, and may the officials and commoners inside and outside the palace live in lasting peace, with good fortune and celebrations accompanying them. After attaining the Dao, may he unite with the Sovereign Lord and become True.

Southern Nine Earths (the following is the title or beginning of the southern section).

I have heard that the Li hexagram, symbolizing brightness, manifests in the southern direction, and the Nine Earths likewise reside in the south. The court of flowing fire is profound and distant, the waves of the Heavenly Pool vast and expansive; the Purple Palace of Xiaqiu, a legendary immortal realm, holds the registers of names seeking immortality, while the Crimson Palace of Jiangque, an abode of immortals, records the merits of those who accumulate good deeds.

Now the emperor, strictly following the Keyi (liturgy) protocols of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual), prepares offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles, and sincerely takes refuge in the Southern Nine Earths Emperor-Lord together with all the spirit officials among the mountains, rivers, hills, plains, highlands, rivers, seas, and valleys of the Southern Peak. The emperor confesses and seeks pardon from the deities for offenses from the founding of the state until today, including the construction of residences, untimely excavation and breaking of ground, the opening of mountains and rivers, the expansion of foundations, the startling of the earth, and offenses against the Emperor-Lord. He deeply fears that these faults have accumulated in the earth, that disasters have befallen all quarters, that calamities cannot be quelled, and that illnesses arise in succession.

Now the emperor wholeheartedly turns toward the Great Dao (the Way), takes refuge in the Supreme Lord, and entrusts his life to the True Emperor, a revered Daoist deity. He establishes the Precious Zhai ritual assembly and, according to the rites, prays for the harmony of Yin-Yang, peace along the borders, the auspicious appearance of qilin and phoenix, and the corresponding manifestation of tortoise and dragon as omens. May the emperor’s De (Virtue/Power) accord with the mountains, may auspicious clouds widely cover the four directions, may his teachings spread throughout the world, and may harmonious qi (vital energy) be universally bestowed upon all things. May the members of the imperial household all enjoy peace and prosperity, and may the military and civilians both inside and outside the palace equally receive blessings. After attaining the Dao, may he unite in truth with the Emperor-Lord, returning together to the Dao and becoming one.

Western Nine Earths.

The great earth bears all things, and from this all things begin to grow. Heaven and earth each have their forms of high and low, and east and west each have their proper directions. When the autumn wind arises, it brings all things to solemn stillness; the earth operates in silence, bringing all things to completion. Phoenix Ridge sends down auspicious blessings; Turtle Mountain carries out the work of transformation and nurture.

Now the emperor, carefully observing the ceremonial forms of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) and Keyi (liturgy), has prepared offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles. He sincerely takes refuge in the Nine Earth Sovereigns of the West, together with all the spirits of the mountains and rivers, hills, plains, highlands, rivers and seas, and valleys of the Western Peak. The emperor confesses that from the founding of the state until this day, he has at times, through improper timing in daily activities, in breaking ground, and in excavation, as well as through opening up mountains and rivers and expanding foundations, disturbed the great earth and offended the Sovereigns. He deeply fears that these faults have accumulated within the earth, causing disasters to befall various regions, strange and demonic occurrences to continue without cease, and diseases to arise one after another. Now, with undivided heart, he turns toward the Great Dao (the Way), takes refuge in the Supreme Deity, and entrusts his life to the True Sovereign. He has established a precious purification rite and conducts it according to the ritual forms.

He earnestly beseeches the various deities, in their vast compassion, to succor all living beings, so that profound blessings may descend upon distant lands, auspicious Qi (vital energy) may be scattered across ten thousand li, and auspicious vapors may descend upon the palaces. May the winds be favorable and the rains timely, the harvests abundant, and the four seasons peaceful and harmonious. May the emperor enjoy long-lasting fortune and longevity, protected by the divine spirits; may his blessings and emoluments be as vast as the boundless sea, and his lifespan as enduring as Mount Song and Mount Hua. May the imperial princes and grandsons long remain in peace and well-being. After attaining the Dao, may he unite with the Sovereigns in Truth (returning together with the Sovereigns to the True Dao).

The Nine Earths of the North

It is heard that at the northern extremity lie the watery marshes, and that in the depths of the earth the wind-wheels turn. When the Qi of a single yang begins to stir, all things know that spring is approaching.

Note: In the original text, a passage from “The Earth Origin providing the beginning” to “Turtle Mountain carrying out transformation” appears repeatedly, and the section on the Nine Earths of the North contains misjoined sentences. The above has therefore been interpreted according to where the meaning coheres.

I have heard that at the northern extremity there are watery marshes, and deep underground there are wind wheels. When a single yang first arises at the winter solstice, all things know that spring is about to arrive. After the Qi (vital energy) of the four seasons has completed one full cycle, the grasses and trees regain their vitality. The numbers of the earth stop at four nines (thirty-six), and the borders of the realm are distributed according to the number three thousand. Mount Luofeng rises precipitously, and the territory of Kunban unfolds from there.

Now the emperor, carefully observing the Keyi (liturgy), prepares offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles, and takes refuge in worship before the Nine Earth Sovereign Lords of the North (the divine lords who govern the nine earths), as well as all the numinous officials of the Northern Peak, including those of its mountains and rivers, hills, plains, highlands, rivers, seas, and valleys. He confesses that from the establishment of the state until the present, there have been untimely constructions of residences and excavations of the soil, openings of mountains and rivers, and expansions of foundations that have disturbed the great earth and offended the Sovereign Lords. The emperor worries that these errors have accumulated in the four quarters of the earth, causing disasters in various places, that strange and demonic events have not been calmed, and that illnesses have followed one upon another.

Now the emperor wholeheartedly turns toward the Great Dao (the Way), takes refuge in the High God, and entrusts his person to the True Sovereign. In accordance with the rites, he sets up a Precious Zhai (a solemn Zhaijiao purification ritual), praying that the four seasons may run according to their proper sequence and that all things may grow perfectly well; that winds and clouds may always bring auspiciousness, and that floods and droughts may not result in harm. May the emperor’s De (Virtue/Power) accord with heaven and earth, and may his practice of the Dao be in harmony with Fuxi and the Yellow Emperor. May blessings extend to all eight directions, longevity last long, and correspondence be achieved above with the Seven Governors (the sun, moon, and five planets); may the state flourish, far and near be at peace, and officials and people both inside and outside the court share in the same prosperity. After attaining the Dao, may he unite with the Sovereign Lords and become True.

A thanksgiving ceremony to Taiyi is held in the north.

It is said that the Three Primordial Ancestral Qi (Sanyuan Zuqi), the original Qi (vital energy) constituting heaven, earth, and all things, together with the Venerable God Taiyi (Taiyi Zunshen), the supreme deity venerated in Daoism, separated the clear Qi from the turbid Qi and established Heaven and Earth as the Two Modes. They set Yin-Yang in motion, generating and transforming the myriad things. They universally exercise the illuminating observation of the divine spirits and widely bestow their mysterious and wondrous De (Virtue/Power).

Now the emperor, strictly following the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) Keyi (liturgy), has prepared offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles and established the Precious Purification Ritual of the Dongshen Three Sovereigns and Seventy-two Lords (Dongshen Sanhuang Qishier Jun Baozhai), a Daoist ritual dedicated to the Three Sovereigns and Seventy-two Lords. He takes refuge in Taiyi Yuanjun, the Nine Sovereign Jade Emperors, the host of great sages who have attained the Dao (the Way) in the Wuji realm, and all the deities. He prays to universally repent the sins of past and present lives arising from the six passions, the three karmas of body, speech, and mind, whether committed intentionally or unintentionally, and requests that these sins be completely washed away.

May the Donghua Emperor of the East add inexhaustible years of longevity, and may the Immortal Elder of the South Pole record the name of immortality in the longevity register. May his meritorious De be lofty and far-reaching, his name and rank listed among the various heavens. May true Qi descend into his body, keeping body and mind peaceful and stable. May the mountains and rivers be as firm as metal and stone, the realm at peace, and the nation prosperous. After attaining the Dao, may he long enjoy the natural Dao.