《太上正一盟威法箓》

The Taishang Zhengyi Mengwei Falu (Daoist registers of the Orthodox Unity Alliance of Authority transmitted by the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) school) lists numerous register names, including the Taishang Yiguan Tongzi Lu, Taishang Shiguan Tongzi Lu, Taishang Qishiwu Guan Tongzi Lu, Taishang Sanwu Chiguan Zhanxie Lu, Taiyi Hushen Jiangjun Lu, Taishang Ershisi Zhiqi Lu, Taishang Hushen Yannian Jie Yiqie Zaie Lu, Taishang Baoming Changsheng Lu, Taishang Fenghuang Jiehui Miao Lu, Taishang Sanwu Jie Fanghai Baofu Miao Lu, Taishang Laojun Shou Xujia Yansheng Baoming Lu, Taishang Zhaocai Zhenbao Miao Lu, Taishang Jiuyi Hetu Bao Lu, and the Taishang Baiwushi Jiangjun Nanxian Ling Lu.

Taishang Yiguan Tongzi Lu

On a certain year, month, and day, a recipient of the register from a certain prefecture, county, township, and village, surnamed so-and-so, comes to receive the register. He states that in ordinary life he has been affected by the Qi (vital energy) of the newly appeared Lord Lao, the Supreme High Emperor, and other divine spirits, and is unable to discern the circumstances on his own. Now, bearing tokens of faith, he proceeds to a certain Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) ritual master (a master who transmits Daoist jing (scriptures/classics), methods, and Falu) to request conferral of the Taishang Yiguan Tongzi Lu, while truthfully recounting his situation.

After receiving the register, one should assist the Celestial Master (Tianshi) and treat the illnesses of the common people. One must not carelessly disclose the Falu, nor commit improper acts such as licentiousness, theft, or defiance; one must not arbitrarily invent ritual methods or slander and mock one’s teachers. The jing states that such behavior will incur the jealousy and hatred of demons. Recipients of the register ought to be compassionate, humane, and generous, filial and respectful toward elders, and protective of the young; parents and siblings should mutually respect and support one another. On the auspicious days of the Five La, one should offer sacrifices and prayers in the hall to family kin and the Nine Ancestors (clan ancestors); in the second and eighth months, on the same day, one should sacrifice to the soil god and the stove god. Apart from this, one must not privately sacrifice to other ghosts and spirits. Should one violate this, harm will follow; one must not therefore resent the methods of the Dao or blame the teachers. All is to be carried out in accordance with the precepts and ordinances.

The first Northern Upper Official Direct Envoy Gongcao (a divine clerk in Daoist offices who transmits commands and handles affairs), two persons.

Under the command of the Northern First High Official there are one hundred twenty Langli clerks and Huben guards; two Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers; one hundred twenty cavalry of investigation and arrest; two Merit Officers for healing illness; and one hundred attendants of the Three Officials. There are again two Zhengyi Merit Officers; one hundred twenty cavalry of investigation and arrest; two Merit Officers for healing illness; and one hundred twenty attendants of the Three Officials. There are two Envoys of the Left Official together with one hundred twenty Heavenly Zou armored soldiers; two Envoys of the Right Official together with one hundred twenty Heavenly Ding warriors; two Yin-Yang divine central clerks; and one hundred twenty clerks who gather Qi (vital energy) and consume Qi.

There are one hundred twenty Fierce Wind Generals of the Crimson Heaven Calendar Banners, and one hundred twenty Left and Right Generals of the Crimson Heaven Calendar Banners.

Baoju (the recommender and guarantor) is the person who nominates and stands surety for the one receiving the register. Jiandu (the supervisor of transmission) is the person who oversees the ceremony and procedures of receiving the register. Dushi (the transmission master) is the ritual master who presides over the conferral of the legal register.

The Most High Register of the Ten Officials’ Youths

On such-and-such a year, month, and day, in such-and-such a prefecture, county, township, and village, at such-and-such a palace-temple, a person of such-and-such a surname comes forward to receive a certain legal register. This person has long borne upon their person the divine Qi of the Newly Revealed Lord Lao and the Most High August Emperor, yet has been unable to discern it unaided. Now, bringing tokens of faith, they present themselves before a master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) and request to receive the Most High Register of the Ten Officials’ Youths. The petitioner has truthfully declared their own circumstances. Should they be summoned by the Lord’s command, then from this day of formal registration and conferral of the register onward they shall abide by the following covenants:

They shall treat others with kindness, honor their elders, and cherish the young; parents and siblings shall hold one another in respect and give mutual aid. On the auspicious days of the Five La each year, they shall offer sacrifice in the hall to their household kin and the Nine Ancestors (the family’s ancestral line). In the second and eighth months they shall, on the same day, offer sacrifice to the God of the Soil and the Stove God. Beyond these they must not presume to sacrifice to other ghosts and spirits. If they violate this, they shall immediately suffer injury, and they must not ascribe the fault to the Dao (the Way) or blame their master. All these stipulations shall be carried out in accordance with the statutes of the Most High Lord Lao.

Two Direct-Envoy Merit Officers of the Capital of Highest Immortals; two hundred forty Langli clerks and Huben guards of the Capital of Highest Immortals.

The Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers under the overall command of the Supreme Immortals number two, the Hook Cavalry who investigate treachery number two hundred forty, the Healing Merit Officers number two, the Attendant Officials of the Three Officials number two hundred forty, the Left Official Envoys number two, the Armored Soldiers of the Heavenly Stables number two hundred forty, the Right Official Envoys number two, the Heavenly Ding Strongmen number two hundred forty, the Yin-Yang Spirit Decision Clerks number two, the Clerks who gather and consume Qi (vital energy) number two hundred forty, the Yin-Yang Official Grand Physician Clerks number two, and the Strong Wind Cavalry Relay Clerks who submit petitions on horseback number two hundred forty.

The Strong Wind Official Relay Generals of the Red Heaven Calendar Banner, the Left Official Relay Generals, and the Right Official Relay Generals each number two persons; the Left Generals and Right Generals likewise each number two persons.

Recommenders: two Supervising Heaven Calendar Banner Strong Wind Left Official Relay Generals, two Right Official Relay Generals, two Left Generals, and two Right Generals.

Overseers of Transmission:

Transmission Masters:

The Most High Register of Seventy-Five Officials and Youths

On a certain year, month, and day, in a certain temple in a certain prefecture, county, township, and village, a person of a certain surname receives a certain ritual register. This person has always been protected by the divine Qi of the Newly Manifested Lord Lao and the Most High August Emperor, yet cannot discern their own situation by themselves. Now, bearing tokens of faith, they proceed to a certain Master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) to request conferral of the Most High Register of Seventy-Five Officials and Youths and to state their circumstances truthfully.

After receiving the register, should they encounter a summons from the sovereign, they shall comply that very day. Thereafter they must be benevolent and generous, filial toward parents, respectful of elders, and caring toward the young; parents and siblings should mutually honor and support one another. On the auspicious days of the Five La they should offer sacrifices in the hall to household relatives together with the nine generations of ancestors and parents; on corresponding days in the second and eighth months they should sacrifice to the God of the Soil and the Stove God. Apart from these they must not privately sacrifice to other ghosts and spirits. Should they violate this they will immediately suffer harm and must not therefore resent the methods of the Dao or reproach their teachers. These regulations are all carried out in accordance with the statutes of Lord Lao the Most High.

Here “receiving the register” refers to the Daoist ritual of registering one’s name and conferring a Fulu (talisman and register); “recommenders,” “overseers of transmission,” and “transmission masters” are the identities of those who recommend, supervise, and transmit as listed in the ritual documents.

Shang Lingguan (Upper Spirit Officials; spirit clerks in Daoism responsible for transmitting commands and protecting ritual services): Direct Envoy Gongcao (Merit Officers), two persons; Upper Lingguan Langli (gentleman clerks) and Huben (tiger-brave warriors), two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Gongcao, two persons; Upper Lingguan Inspectors of Treachery and Hooked Cavalry, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Healing Gongcao, two persons; Upper Lingguan Attendants of the Three Officials and Direct Envoy Gongcao, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Langli and Huben, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Zhengyi Gongcao, two persons; Upper Lingguan Inspectors of Treachery and Hooked Cavalry, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Healing Gongcao, two persons; Upper Lingguan Attendants of the Three Officials, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Left Official Envoys, two persons; Upper Lingguan Celestial Warriors (Tianding Lishi), two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Right Official Envoys, two persons; Upper Lingguan Clerks Who Gather Qi (vital energy) and Consume Qi, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Yang Spirit Decision Clerks, two persons; Upper Lingguan Clerks Who Capture Ghosts and Consume Ghosts, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Yin Spirit Decision Clerks, two persons; Upper Lingguan Red Talisman Clerks of the Ritual Carts, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Yang Official Grand Physician Clerks, two persons; Upper Lingguan Rigid Wind Dispatch Riders, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Yin Official Grand Physician Clerks, two persons; Upper Lingguan Express Horse Petition Clerks, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Metropolitan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Left Metropolitan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Right Metropolitan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Attendant Petition Clerks of the Watch, two hundred forty persons; Upper Lingguan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Metropolitan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Left Metropolitan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Right Metropolitan Spirit-Watch Generals, two persons; Upper Lingguan Attendant Generals of the Watch, two persons.

The above is a listing of divine office titles and personnel numbers. “Gongcao,” “Langli,” “Shizhe” (envoys), “Jiangjun” (generals), and the like are titles of spirit clerks and spirit generals within the Fulu (talismans and registers) system; “two persons” and “two hundred forty persons” indicate the allotted quota for each office. The scripture repeatedly lists certain office names, which are retained as in the original.

Baoju (guarantor: the person who recommends and guarantees the one receiving the register)

Jiandu (supervisor of transmission: the person who presides over and supervises the register-bestowal ritual)

Dushi (transmission master: the master who transmits the Fulu)

Taishang Sanwu Chiguan Zhanxie Lu (the name of the register: Most High Three-Five Red Officials Register for Slaying Evil)

On a certain year, month, and day, in a certain prefecture, county, township, and village, there is an official or a recipient of the methods at a Daoist temple surnamed so-and-so. In ordinary times he has been moved by the newly appeared Lord Lao and the Shen Qi of the Highest August Emperor King; these spiritual energies have already attached themselves to his body, yet he himself cannot distinguish them. Therefore today, bearing a token, he proceeds to the Ritual Master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), the master in charge of the Daoist Three Caverns scriptures and methods, Minister so-and-so, requesting to receive the method of the Three-Five Red Officials’ chopping-evil branch soldiers in order to stabilize the three hun and protect the seven po (Daoism regards the hun and po as essential components constituting a person’s spirit and life).

May these divine soldiers and divine generals accompany and protect him at every moment; whether traveling up or down, coming and going, entering or exiting, they shall drive away all manner of evil spirits, capture and annihilate goblins. Old monsters that have cultivated into spirits, such as giant turtles, alligators, turtles, soft-shelled turtles, and foxes, together with millennial demonic creatures, the rigid-and-yielding Qi of kings and ministers, various fierce evils and accumulated noxious Qi, none of them may arbitrarily invade the disciple’s body. Everything shall be executed in accordance with the ordinances of Taishang Laojun.

The following spirit clerks and generals, two of each: the Direct Envoy Merit Officer of the Heavenly Spirit Red Officials, the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officer, the Healing Merit Officer; the Left Official Envoy and the Right Official Envoy; the Yang Shen Decision Clerk and the Yin Shen Decision Clerk; the Yang Official Grand Physician Clerk and the Yin Official Grand Physician Clerk; the Supervising-Evil General, the Capturing-Evil General, the Punishing-Evil General, and the Campaigning-Evil General; the Left Chopping-Evil General and the Right Chopping-Evil General; the Yang Official General and the Yin Official General; the Body-Protecting General and the Capturing-Marvels General; the Yin Shen Grand Physician Clerk and the Yang Shen Grand Physician Clerk; the Supervising-Evil Direct Talisman.

This passage is a petition and a decree within a document for receiving the registers: the recipient of the methods requests from the ritual master the conferral of the divine generals and soldier-clerks for driving away evil and protecting the body, and commands them to guard the physical form, stabilize the hun and po, and drive away evil influences.

Two Generals Who Capture the Strange, of the Heavenly Numinous Red Officials; two Yin-spirit Imperial Physician Clerks; two Yang-spirit Imperial Physician Clerks; two Direct-Talisman Officers Who Supervise Evil; two Envoys Who Slay Evil; two Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Envoys; two Slay-Evil Inspectors of Treachery; two Slay-Evil Censors; two Slay-Evil Protectors-General; two Slay-Evil Generals; two Slay-Evil Capturers of the Strange; twenty-four Slay-Evil Jade Maidens; two Bian Que Physician Clerks; together with the Slay-Evil Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Dark Warrior, thirty-six of each.

Guarantor:

Inspector of Ordination:

Master of Ordination:

The Most High Register of Body-Protecting Generals

On a given year, month, and day, in a given prefecture, county, township, and village, a person of a given surname who has received a given ritual Fulu (talismans and registers) has in ordinary times been protected by the divine Qi (vital energy) of the Newly Manifested Lord Lao and of the Most High August Emperor-King, yet cannot discern this clearly of their own accord. Now, bearing tokens of credence, they proceed to a certain ritual master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) to request conferral of the Taiyi (Great One) Divine Fulu of Body-Protecting Generals.

Once it has been received, the True Deity Taiyi, the Direct-Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors, and a host of a thousand chariots and ten thousand horsemen will attend upon the disciple, helping the disciple pass through calamities and endure for a long time. The disciple should devote their whole mind to revering and serving the ritual Fulu, honor the Great Dao (the Way), and must not lightly disclose the divine writings. All this accords with the statutes and ordinances of Taishang Laojun (Lord Lao the Most High).

August Heaven is vast, high, and far-reaching, and it shelters the disciple’s person; the great earth is deep and thick, and it bears all things. The disciple must not open this of their own accord or presume unauthorized access; without assistance they cannot act by their own power. They should pass through calamities and endure for a long time, devote their whole mind to revering and serving the ritual Fulu, honor the Great Dao, and must not lightly disclose the divine writings. All accords with the statutes and ordinances of Taishang Laojun.

May August Heaven broadly cover the disciple’s body; may August Earth deeply support and bear the disciple. The disciple need not open the mouth, yet affairs of themselves become unimpeded; need not be assisted, yet of themselves can go forward. May the sun and moon shine together and drive away the five kinds of calamity; may the sagely spirits protect and nourish, so that the disciple may sit at ease and enjoy the sweet nectar.

May the King Father (a venerated deity among the Daoist immortals) look with favor upon the disciple and bestow immortal prescriptions; may the Queen Mother (the Queen Mother of the West) look with favor upon the disciple and grant the disciple long life and increased years; may the Jade Maidens look with favor upon the disciple and burn incense to pray for blessings on the disciple’s behalf; may the Perfected (those who have attained the Dao) look with favor upon the disciple and welcome the disciple with conversation and laughter. Should soldiers be encountered, may their weapons snap; should strong warriors be encountered, may the wicked and evil not dare to offend. Upon meeting a bridge one is able to cross; upon meeting flowing water it is as if the water itself comes to a halt; in the mountain forests one advances and withdraws freely, and can open and avoid the obstacles that lie on the road ahead.

May the five weapons, ghosts and demons, and bandits flee, not daring to block the path; when the disciple walks there is no place that is not open, and when coming to a stop one remains peaceful and unobstructed. The disciple receives and holds this method in accordance with the Keyi (liturgy) and can immediately obtain deliverance by the immortal Dao. Respectfully obeying the ordinances of Taishang Laojun, carry them out with haste.

Guarantor:

Supervisor of Ordination:

Ordination Master:

Most High Two (as in the original text):

Open the road ahead, drive away and avoid the five weapons, ghosts and demons, and bandits so that they dare not block the way; when walking there is nowhere that is not open, when stopping one is peaceful and unobstructed. Receiving and holding in accordance with the Keyi, one can obtain deliverance by the immortal Dao. Respectfully obeying the ordinances of Taishang Laojun, carry them out with haste.

Guarantor:

Supervisor of Ordination:

Ordination Master:

The Qi (vital energy) Register of the Twenty-Four Dioceses of the Most High

This register belongs to the Yangping and other dioceses of the Celestial Master (Tianshi) (the system of dioceses established by the Way of the Celestial Masters), with the Central Qi of the Most High as overall commander. The generals of the four divisions of east, west, south and north are to patrol and inspect the twenty-four dioceses, command the twenty-four Qi, and supervise the Merit Officers of the Heavenly Capital, governing the village earth-altars of the Nine Provinces (basic-level sacrificial units) as well as the minor subordinates under the gate of the Celestial Master. Now a disciple is to be summoned and ought to assume a ritual office; therefore we here select, appoint and fill the posts of the spirit generals of the twenty-four Qi.

Yangping Diocese: one Merit Officer of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General of Pacifying Qi.

Lutang Diocese: one Great Capital Merit Officer of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

Heming Diocese: one Right Commander of Troops of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

Liyuan Diocese: one Pacifier of the Five Qi of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

Gegui Diocese: one Left Commander Merit Officer of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

Gengchu Diocese: one Left Supervisor of Spirit Qi of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

Qinzhong Diocese: one Right Commander of True Qi of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

Zhenduo Diocese: one Right Commander Supervisor of Qi of the Central Qi of the Most High, Great-Rank General.

At Changli Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi (vital energy) who served as Left Commander of Circulating Qi and Left Supervisor of Spirit Qi; at Qinzhong Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Commander of True Qi; at Zhenduo Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Commander-Supervisor of Qi; Changli Zhi was additionally assigned one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Left Commander of Circulating Qi.

At Lishang Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Left Supervisor of White Qi; at Yongquan Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Supervisor of Spirit Qi; at Choujing Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Inspector of Qi; at Beiping Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Director of Eastern Circulating Qi; at Benzhu Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Director of Southern Circulating Qi.

At Mengqin Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Left Commander of Decisive Duties; at Pinggai Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Assistant Administrator of the Qi of the Four Bureaus; at Yuntai Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Commander of Decisive Duties; at Jinkou Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Director of Western Circulating Qi; at Houcheng Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Commander of Circulating Qi; at Gongmu Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who held charge of Qi affairs.

At Pinggang Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Left Army Commander; Jinkou Zhi was additionally listed with one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Director of Western Circulating Qi; Houcheng Zhi was additionally listed with one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Commander of Circulating Qi; Gongmu Zhi was additionally listed with one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Holder of Qi; Pinggang Zhi was additionally assigned one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Left Commander of Shen (spirit).

At Zhubu Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Left Inspector of Qi; at Yuju Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Inspector of Qi; at Beimang Zhi there was one Great-Rank General of the Most High Central Qi who served as Right Commander of Shen.

Here “zhi” denotes the institutions for religious administration and cultivation practice established by the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) school; titles such as “Most High Central Qi” and Commander of Qi, Supervisor of Qi, Inspector of Qi, and the like belong to the designations of divine offices and Qi-method responsibilities found in Daoist Fulu (talismans and registers). The text registers, for each zhi in turn, the Great-Rank General under its jurisdiction, one person per entry. Certain zhi names and office titles appear more than once in the original, and they have likewise been retained here as they stand.

On a certain year, month, and day, at a certain palace-temple in a certain prefecture, county, and village, there is a person of a certain surname who has received a certain Falu (ritual register). He has always borne within himself the divine Qi (vital energy) of the Newly Revealed Lord Lao (Laojun) and the Supreme High Emperor-King, yet he cannot discern it by himself. Now, carrying his tokens of authentication, he proceeds to the ritual master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), Minister so-and-so, requesting to receive the Taishang Twenty-Four Parish Registers, so that he may cultivate them, uphold them, and make offerings to them, treating them as a lifelong treasure and scrupulously observing the ordinances.

Guarantor:

Supervisor of Ordination:

Initiating Master:

The Taishang Protective Longevity Register for Resolving All Calamities and Misfortunes

On a certain year, month, and day, the ritual master, Minister so-and-so, requests to receive the Taishang Twenty-Four Parish Registers, so that he may cultivate them, uphold them, and make offerings to them, treating them as a lifelong treasure and scrupulously observing the ordinances.

Guarantor:

Supervisor of Ordination:

Initiating Master:

The Taishang Protective Longevity Register for Resolving All Calamities and Misfortunes

On a certain year, month, and day, at a certain palace-temple in a certain prefecture, county, and village, there is a person of a certain surname who has received a certain Falu. He has always borne within himself the divine Qi of the Newly Revealed Lord Lao and the Supreme High Emperor-King, yet he cannot discern it by himself. Now, carrying his tokens of authentication, he proceeds to the ritual master of the Three Caverns, Minister so-and-so, requesting to receive the Taishang Protective Longevity Register for Resolving All Calamities and Misfortunes (a Daoist Falu used for bodily protection, the extension of life, and the prayerful resolution of every kind of disaster and misfortune), treating it as a lifelong treasure. May all disasters, calamities, and hardships never come to assail him. If you are able to uphold this register, you may attain long life. Scrupulously observe the ordinances of the Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun).

Twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamities of the circulating year; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the misfortunes of the linked stars; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamity of a lifespan drawing to its close; and twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the disasters of death. Scrupulously observe the ordinances of the Highest Lord Lao.

Twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamities of the circulating year; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the misfortunes of the linked stars; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamity of a lifespan drawing to its close; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the disasters of death; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamities of official litigation; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamities of illness; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the calamities of loss of wealth; twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve calamities that strike in succession; and twelve Superior Immortal Official Youths are commanded to resolve the harm of tigers and wolves.

The superior immortal officials (high-ranking immortal officers) dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling calamities brought by insects and snakes; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling the calamity of the Heavenly Net; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling the calamity of the Earthly Web; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling the calamity of the natal stars (calamities connected with a person’s birth date and allotted destiny); they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling unexpected misfortunes; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling ordinary calamities; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling the calamity of the natal stars; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling unexpected misfortunes; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling calamities of water and fire; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling calamities of robbery and plunder; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling calamities of blades and warfare; they dispatched twelve youths charged with dispelling calamities of punishment and imprisonment.

Guarantor.

Supervisor of transmission (the person who oversees the ritual of receiving the registers).

Transmission Master (the Daoist priest who presides over the conferral of the ritual registers, or fulu).

The Supreme Lord’s Register for Protecting Life and Longevity (a ritual register for praying for the protection of life and the attainment of longevity)

On a certain year, month, and day, in a certain prefecture, county, and village, at a certain temple, a person of a certain surname came forward to receive the ritual register. In ordinary times he has been protected by the divine Qi (vital energy) of the Newly Manifested Lord Lao and the Supreme High Emperor, yet he is unable to discern and comprehend this by himself. Now, bearing tokens of faith, he proceeds to the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) Ritual Master, your servant so-and-so, to request the Register for Protecting Life and Longevity. After receiving the register, he is to assist the Celestial Master (Tianshi) and treat the illnesses of the people; he must not drink wine or eat meat. Should he one day violate the precepts, he will immediately suffer injury, and he must not resent the Dao (the Way) or blame his master. All is to be carried out in accordance with the statutes and ordinances of the Supreme Lord Lao.

The Supreme Lord’s Divine Talisman for Protecting Life shields the disciple, granting him bodily health and peace and longevity. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances (indicating that the command is to be executed rapidly according to the divine ordinances).

The passage “If Yunque offends, one will immediately suffer injury, one must not resent the Dao or blame the master, all in accordance with the statutes and ordinances of the Supreme Lord Lao” is semantically unclear in the existing scriptures. Taken literally, it means that if Yunque offends… one will immediately suffer injury, one must not resent the Dao or blame the master, and all is to be carried out in accordance with the statutes and ordinances of the Supreme Lord Lao.

The Supreme Lord’s Divine Talisman for Protecting Life shields the disciple, granting him bodily health and peace and longevity. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Yunque wears a pale green cape (a Daoist garment draped over the body), yellow robes with blue-green borders, and vermilion footwear.

Among the Heavenly Spirit Officials (divine officers of the celestial realm) there are two Envoys Who Cherish Life, nine Lord Clerks of the Eastern Dipper Who Record Calculations, two Envoys of Protecting Life, three Lord Clerks of the Southern Dipper Who Confer Life, two Envoys of Longevity, seven Lord Clerks of the Western Dipper Who Record Names, and two Bianque Imperial Physicians.

The Heavenly Spirit Officials (celestial divine clerks) comprise five Beidou Luosi Junli of the Northern Dipper who oversee those falling into death, two officials who remove Qi (vital energy) from the registers, and twelve Zhongdou Dakui Junli of the Central Dipper Great Kui. The recommender is the person who nominates the recipient of the Falu. The supervisor oversees and presides over the ritual of conferring the register. The transmission master is the master who imparts the Falu.

The Marvelous Register of the Supreme Phoenix for Dispelling Filth. On a certain year, month, and day, in a certain prefecture, county, township, and village, at a certain temple, there is a person of a certain surname who has received a certain Falu. He has always been protected by the divine Qi of the Newly Appeared Lord Lao, the Supreme High Emperor, yet he cannot discern his own condition. Now, bearing tokens of faith, he proceeds to the Three Caverns ritual master, a certain minister, requesting to receive the Supreme Register for Resolving Calamities and Extending Longevity, in order to eliminate the three disasters, avoid the nine misfortunes, make the ears and eyes keen, stabilize the hun and po souls, pass through periods of decline and calamity, and resolve all manner of filthy Qi. Respectfully in accordance with the statutes and commands of the Supreme Lord Lao, let this be carried out with urgency.

The purification officials consist of nine Eastern Azure Emperor Wood Officials, three Southern Vermilion Emperor Fire Officials, seven Western White Emperor Metal Officials, five Northern Black Emperor Water Officials, and twelve Central Yellow Emperor Earth Officials, together with one hundred twenty heavenly and earthly purification Junli, one hundred twenty purification Jade Maidens, and one hundred twenty Nine Phoenix Breaking Filth lord generals, clerks, and soldiers. The green filth of the East, red filth of the South, yellow filth of the Center, white filth of the West, black filth of the North, as well as the filthy Qi of the five directions and five colors, the filthy Qi of heaven, of earth, of the human world, of ghosts and spirits, and the filthy Qi brought by the six livestock such as oxen and horses, must all be washed away. Turbid filth shall be transformed into purity, and deathly calamities shall no longer obstruct vitality. From this day forward filthy Qi is resolved, that I may attain long life.

The recommender, the supervisor, and the transmission master.

The Marvelous Register of the Supreme Three-Five Precious Talisman for Resolving Harm.

The Taixuan Zhongyi Jinque Baofu Zhenge Miaolu is a precious Fulu (talismans and registers) scripture. The Gao Huang Jade Emperor obtained the mysteries from the Inner Chapters of the Queen Mother of the West in the Purple Tenuity Palace. These contain methods of relief and of extracting calamities, which are applied according to the needs of the world to carry out teaching and transformation, so as to save and deliver all living beings and to dispel harm.

If a person violates the Three Punishments and Four Killings, encounters Isolated Chen and Widow Lodge, Heavenly Killing and Earthly Killing, Heavenly Year and Year Star, Primordial Chen and Six Harms, or other unfavorable factors, or if the fates of children or parents clash and overcome one’s own so that they harm one another, then one may request to receive the Register for Dispelling Great Harm. This preserves the body and life, extends the years and increases longevity, causes circumstances of yearly fates that match or overcome one another to dissipate, brings harmony to the six relations, and ensures kind treatment of the nine clans. The foundations of parents, brothers, and clan all depend upon oneself; may they forever receive the protection of long life. All of this is carried out in accordance with the ordinances of Taishang Laojun.

The Gongcao, envoys, and spirit clerks commissioned to handle the affairs are then listed. “Gongcao” are the divine personnel in Daoist Fulu responsible for transmitting documents and executing divine commands; “spirit clerks” are the accompanying spirit clerks. Their names and numbers are as follows: the Direct Envoy Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Unsurpassed Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital, He Shen, together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Void Nonbeing Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital, He Shen, together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Five Emperors Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Wuwei (non-action) Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital, He Shen, together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Three Heavens Gongcao of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Red Heaven Dispelling Obstruction of the Upper Immortal Capital together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Left Official Envoy of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Red Heaven Dispelling Harm of the Upper Immortal Capital together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Right Official Envoy of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Yin-Yang Dispelling of Primordial Chen and Six Harms of the Upper Immortal Capital together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Yin-Yang Envoy of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Red Heaven Dispelling Harm of the Upper Immortal Immortal Capital together with fifteen spirit clerks; the Right Official Envoy of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks; the Yin-Yang Dispelling of Primordial Chen and Six Harms of the Upper Immortal Capital together with fifteen spirit clerks; and the Yin-Yang Envoy of the Upper Immortal Capital together with five spirit clerks. In the original text the punctuation of “He Shen” and “He Shenli” is not entirely clear; the foregoing follows the sequence of the wording.

The fifteen combined spirit officials of the Upper Immortal Capital who resolve Yin-Yang, Gu Chen and Gua Su, and the Three Punishments and Four Killings.

There is now a certain person, born in a given year, month, and day, residing in a given prefecture, county, and village, who previously received a certain Falu at a given Daoist abbey and bears a given surname. In daily life this person has been influenced by the spiritual Qi of the Newly Manifested Lord Lao, the Supreme High Emperor King, yet cannot himself distinguish the circumstances. He now comes bearing a token to present himself before the Dharma Master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), your servant so-and-so, requesting conferral of the “Taishang Precious Talisman and Wondrous Register for Resolving Hindrances” (a Fulu (talismans and registers) used to resolve hindrances).

He thereby requests resolution of the six harms, Gu Chen, extinction of smoke and fire, clashes and breaks (suspected to be an astrological term related to “jiao”), the five ghosts and eight difficulties, the three punishments and four killings, together with incompatibility between parents and oneself, mutual overcoming of male and female, and other inauspicious conditions; he also prays for the elimination of disasters and perils, preservation of peace and safety, increase of blessings and emoluments, and mutual harmony and joy. After receiving the register one must not slander or mock the Zhenren (those who cultivate authenticity and attain the Dao). All the foregoing is carried out in accordance with the ordinances of Taishang Laojun.

The guarantor, the overseer of transmission (who supervises the ritual of conferring the register), and the transmission master (the Dharma master who presides over transmission of the Falu) are recorded here. Taishang Laojun confers upon Xu Jia the Register for Extending Life and Protecting Destiny (a Falu praying for longevity and the preservation of life).

The Highest Clarity Unsurpassed Mysterious Primordial Qi (vital energy) Jade Emperor High Venerable Supreme Deity True Lord (a Daoist honored deity) can determine a person’s lifespan and enable people to extend their years, increase longevity, and preserve the body and life. This is a sacred and efficacious Jing (scripture), yet the mysterious Keyi (liturgy) methods within it are secretly stored and not revealed, and are not something ordinary people may cultivate. In former times, Master Yin Xi, the commander of Hangu Pass, personally received the decree and the transmission, circulating it to later generations and transmitting it to subsequent worthies. Only descendants of true immortals, those whose endowment and allotted fate accord with the Dao (the Way), may uphold and wear this scripture.

In former times, in the first year of Yuanshou, Dongfang Shuo, son of the Void Sovereign of Dongling, personally went to the Queen Mother of the West, bringing pure offerings and observing purification fasting for a thousand days, to pray for this set of methods. He wore it upon his person and later received transmission from Xu Jia of the True Dao, whereby his lifespan increased by a thousand years. Zhang Daoling wore this method and ascended to heaven in broad daylight; Zhao Sheng, after cultivating it, likewise immediately attained the fruit of the Dao. If orthodox and true disciples can receive and cultivate it in accordance with the Keyi methods, they may extend their years and increase longevity, achieve long life and added years, preserve the body and protect life, avoid a thousand kinds of calamity, and eliminate ten thousand harms.

The protective jade lads and jade maidens, heavenly officials, heavenly generals, clerks and soldiers, as well as the heavenly ding strongmen, those who determine the lifespan calculations, on-duty Fulu (talismans and registers) officers, those who increase calculations for long life, and the gods of increasing longevity, each numbering in the tens of millions, will all follow the person who wears this method and never leave their person. If a disciple can uphold this method, they may enjoy long life and enduring vision, attaining the Dao amid life and death. This method is extremely secret and mysterious; it must not be transmitted to those who are not truly suitable. If it is not transmitted according to the Keyi regulations, disaster will extend to seven generations of ancestors, reaching even the recipient themselves; at that time one must not resent the master or blame the Great Dao. All is executed according to the statutes of the Most High Lord Lao.

Lord Lao said: The Mysterious Primordial Qi can determine a person’s lifespan, enabling people to extend their years and increase longevity, preserve the body and protect life, and thereby attain long life, ascend as immortals, and undergo transformation. The precious Fulu can enlist and protect; the Life-Calculation Generals, Determining-Calculation clerks and soldiers, Increasing-Calculation immortal lads, Protecting-Calculation jade maidens, and others, each numbering in the tens of millions, will follow those who wear the Fulu (the credential of Daoist ordained office or talisman-register conferred in Daoism). Whether walking or remaining still, sitting or lying down, going out or coming in, near or far, they will encircle and guard the person’s body and bones, protecting and caring for them, never departing. If a disciple can receive, wear, and cultivate this method, they may ascend as an immortal.

“Taiqing zi day zi hour” refers to the zi hour of the zi day; the text then proceeds in order through the chou hour of the chou day, the yin hour of the yin day, and the remaining matching days and hours. The Jing (scripture/classic) holds that reciting and upholding this set of Fulu (talismans and registers)—the ritual writings or talismans transmitted, worshipped, and worn in Daoism—on these corresponding times and days can increase one’s lifespan, confer longevity, and protect the body and life.

Among the figures named are the Tongwang, Nü, Shouxian officials, Earth officials, Water officials, together with the Eastern Dipper (Dongdou), Southern Dipper (Nandou), Western Dipper (Xidou), Northern Dipper (Beidou), Central Dipper (Zhongdou), and the Three Terraces (Santai). These are all deities or celestial offices mentioned in the Jing. The Jing states that each group numbers ninety million and that they are responsible for protecting the body, extending life, noting calculations (recording allotted years), assisting prolongation of life (shangsheng), recording names, and erasing death records, among other duties. Both “shengsuan” and “shengchou” refer to the records or tallies connected with lifespan.

The opening further relates that these protective forces twine around the bones of the body and safeguard the entire person, never departing; if one receives, wears, and cultivates this method, one may thereby ascend to immortality. The passages for the zi day, chen day, and si day are each repeated once, and the you day passage at the end likewise appears twice.

On the Xu day at the Xu hour in Taiqing (the clear and still heavenly realm of Daoism), one registers the shengsuan (the recorded number of one’s allotted lifespan). This can extend longevity, long maintain keen hearing and sharp vision, preserve the body, and protect life. The Disaster-Dispelling Lords of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions (the stellar system of seven mansions each in the east, north, west, and south) number ninety million in all.

On the Hai day at the Hai hour in Taiqing, one registers the shengchou (the tally used to record lifespan). This can extend longevity, long maintain keen hearing and sharp vision, preserve the body, and protect life. The thirty-five Sin-Absolving Lords number ninety million in all.

A disciple under Taishang Laojun of the Limitless Great Dao of the Unexcelled Three Heavens of Mysterious Origin in Taiqing, born as an ordinary mortal with a short lifespan and insufficiently keen ears and eyes. In former times… (the original “昔以云云” is an abbreviated phrasing, and the specific content is not recorded.)

On a certain year, month, and day, in a certain prefecture, a certain county, and a certain village, in a certain gongguan, there is a person of a certain surname who receives a certain falu (the credential of Dharma office granted by Daoism to believers). This person ordinarily bears upon their body the newly descended Shenqi (spiritual Qi) of Laojun and the Taishang Gao Huangdi Wang, yet cannot discern it by themselves. Now, carrying a token of faith, they come before a certain Sandong Fashi (a Dharma master proficient in the Daoist scriptures of the Three Caverns [Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen]), requesting to receive the shengsuan granted by Laojun and to have the lifespan determined, so as to long maintain keen hearing and sharp vision, preserve the body, and protect life, and to forever regard it as their own treasure. The Shenqi of the immortal sages responds to the body, yet this person cannot discern it by themselves. Now again carrying a token of faith, they come before a certain Sandong Fashi, requesting to receive the shengsuan granted by Laojun, to have the lifespan determined, long maintain keen hearing and sharp vision, preserve the body, and protect life, and forever regard it as their own treasure.

After receiving and wearing the lu, one must respectfully honor the responses of the immortal sages, must not slight the Jing (scriptures), ridicule Daoist priests, nor envy the worthy and able, bully the weak, oppress others, or seize ill-gotten gains. If one can follow this without transgression, after ten years one may transmit this method.

Guarantor:

Supervising Transmission Master:

Transmission Master:

The Marvelous Register of Taishang for Attracting Wealth and Guarding Treasure.

Lord Lao said: “The method of attracting wealth and securing treasures belonging to the Purple Tenuity Jade Emperor Dao Lord (Ziwei Yuhuang Daojun) is a secret of the Azure Youth Lord of the Eastern Sea. This numinous writing is exceedingly hidden, and ordinary people have no means of knowing it. Tradition holds that the Yellow Emperor personally received this method from the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) and the Mysterious Maiden on Mount Taibai, and thereby later obtained wealth and nobility while ascending as an immortal. The Immortal of the Jade Cauldron also once transmitted it into the world. Without accumulated blessings from former lives, one cannot hear or see this numinous text.

“This precious Fulu (talismans and registers) is said to be able to summon gold and silver, causing money and goods to increase day by day, grains to be abundant, household servants and maids to remain at peace, and the harvests of farmland and sericulture to double. Commerce proves advantageous, trade yields profit, and even if wealth is expended it can return again. It is also said to protect the household so that thieves dare not encroach and vicious people instead give rise to compassionate hearts. Those who receive and cultivate this method enjoy a wealthy and noble household, with loyal men and chaste women, longevity and abundant blessings that extend to later generations. Official ranks and salaries increase steadily, official careers proceed smoothly, and they receive the respect and affection of others. Whether traveling far or nearby, the roads remain unobstructed, and both government offices and the common people hold them in esteem. All manner of evils cannot harm them; dragons, snakes, tigers, and beasts conceal themselves of their own accord, and the ghosts of the five plagues also flee a thousand li distant.

“This precious Fulu is of the utmost rarity and secrecy; it must not be transmitted to those who are not truly suitable. If you are able to keep and uphold it, you ought to be especially cautious.”

Lord Lao said: “The Purple Tenuity Central Harmony Wealth-Attracting Divine Talisman should be written with cinnabar and worn on the person on the days of Fullness, Completion, Gathering, and Opening (Man, Cheng, Shou, Kai) among the dates Bingzi, Dingchou, Renyin, Guimao, Wushen, and Wuwu. It is said that this can attract wealth from the five directions, bring riches and honor, double the profits of commerce, and cause the proceeds of trade to return again. There are nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine talisman spirits in total who protect the wearer of the talisman.”

The final section of the scripture largely repeats the preceding material on selecting days to write the talisman and wearing it to attract wealth, yet the wording contains omissions: after “Lord Lao said: ‘Zi Guimao…’” it still lists “Wushen, Wuwu, Man, Cheng, Shou, Kai” and similar terms. Because the original text is incomplete, it is impossible to determine the full meaning of the missing portions.

The Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) said: “This is the Ziwei Zhonghe Zhenbao Shenfu (Purple Tenuity Central Harmony Treasure-Guarding Divine Talisman, a Fulu for praying for protection and attracting blessings). Write it with cinnabar on the previously mentioned six prosperous days and wear it on the person. Men wear it on the left, women on the right. Those who wear it will have their requests fulfilled as desired, most of their heartfelt wishes realized, abundant wealth, flourishing of the six domestic animals, protection for fields and silkworms, respect from both officials and the people, and they will not encounter various disasters. The spirit clerks and soldiers within the talisman number nine thousand nine hundred in total and will guard the disciple’s body.”

The Most High Lord Lao said: “This is the Ziwei Zhonghe Xingyou Shenfu (Purple Tenuity Central Harmony Prosperity-Assisting Divine Talisman, a Fulu for praying for prosperity and assistance). Write it according to the previously mentioned six prosperous days and wear it on the person. It can prosper one’s undertakings, assist people in seeking profit, all that is sought can be obtained, most wishes can be realized, and it can also constantly preserve clarity and stability. Wearing this divine talisman, one can remain free from the invasion of illness and wealth will increase twofold. The spirit clerks and soldiers within the talisman number three thousand nine hundred ninety in total and will protect the recipient of the Fulu.”

“Taiqing summoning the heavenly treasury storing gold, silver, money and silk, clerks, soldiers and direct talisman messengers, one million people”: this is to pray and invite the talisman messengers and soldiers in the Taiqing heavenly treasury who oversee gold, silver, money and silk, totaling one million people.

“Taiqing summoning the earthly treasury storing gold, silver, money and silk, clerks, soldiers and direct talisman messengers, one million people”: this is to pray and invite the talisman messengers and soldiers in the Taiqing earthly treasury who oversee gold, silver, money and silk, totaling one million people.

The following sentence “Taiqing summoning east ninety people to protect the recipient’s body” appears to have incomplete text. According to the literal meaning, it is praying to invite ninety spirit clerks from the Taiqing east to protect the body of the Fulu recipient.

Subsequently the scripture also lists the summoning of talisman messengers and soldiers from the various wealth treasuries: the heavenly treasury and earthly treasury, as well as the gold, silver, money and silk talisman messengers of the east belonging to Jue, the south belonging to Zhi, the west belonging to Shang, the north belonging to Yu, and the center belonging to Gong, each totaling one million people. Here “Jue, Zhi, Shang, Yu, Gong” are the names of the five tones matched with the five directions.

Finally the scripture prays to invite the gold, silver, money and silk talisman messengers and soldiers corresponding to the wealthy elders in the one hundred twenty commanderies of the Nine Provinces, totaling one million people.

On a certain year, month, and day, at a certain prefecture, county, village, and palace-temple, the recipient of the register, so-and-so, had already been sensing the divine Qi (vital energy) of the newly manifested Lord Lao and the Supreme High Emperor-King within his body, yet could not discern the reason for this. Now, bearing tokens of faith, he proceeds to the Master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), so-and-so, requesting to receive the Marvelous Register of Attracting Wealth and Guarding Treasures of the Supreme Lord Lao, to cultivate and enshrine it as a precious treasure for protecting the person.

After receiving the Dharma register, he pledges not to violate the Dao (the Way) of Heaven above, not to fail the great Earth below, and not to slight his teachers and elders in the middle; not to neglect the Dharma regulations, not to bully the orphaned and weak or despise widows, and not to hate the elderly or favor the young. Should he one day violate the precepts, he will thereby lose nine years of allotted lifespan; if after receiving the register he observes the precepts, only after a full ten years may he transmit it to others. All of this is carried out in accordance with the covenant oaths, Keyi (liturgy), and statutes of the Supreme Lord Lao.

Guarantor

Overseeing Transmission Master

Transmission Master (the master who presides over conferring the register and transmitting the Dharma methods)

The Precious Register of the Supreme Nine-One River Chart

On a certain year, month, and day, at a certain prefecture, county, village, and palace-temple, the recipient of the register, so-and-so, had already been sensing the divine Qi (vital energy) of the newly manifested Lord Lao and the Supreme High Emperor-King within his body, yet could not discern the reason for this. Now, bearing tokens of faith, he proceeds to the Master of the Three Caverns, so-and-so, requesting to receive the Primordial Records, the Hidden Names of the Nine Sovereigns, and the secrets of longevity and immortality from the Supreme Nine-One River Chart. After receiving the register, the numinous officials of the Nine Bureaus will descend from Heaven to protect the disciple’s body, expel heterodox influences and welcome orthodox Qi, so that the disciple may ultimately have an audience before the Jade Emperor. All this is executed according to the statutes of the Supreme Lord Lao.

The first is the Yangming Star Jade Emperor Nine Chen Lord, namely the Yangming soul of the Tianshu star, paired with the Supreme True Imperial Lady of the West Gate. The second is the Yinjing Star Jade Emperor Principal Flower Chen Lord, namely the Yinjing soul of the Tianxuan star, paired with the Supreme Immortal Imperial Lady of the Northwest Gate. The third is the Zhenren Star Jade Emperor Principal Immortal Chen Lord, namely the Zhenren soul of the Tianji star, paired with the Bright Imperial Lady of the East Gate.

The fourth is the Jade Emperor Principal Flying-Canopy Lord of Xuanming Star (the principal Jade Emperor deity of Xuanming Star). He is the Xuanming soul of Tianquan Star, corresponding to Lady Huahuang of the South Gate. The fifth is Lord Danyuan, the Jade Emperor Golden-Charm Seven-Chen Lord (the Jade Emperor divine lord of Danyuan Star). He is the Danyuan star-spirit of Tianduan Star, corresponding to Lady Zhonghuang of the North Gate. The sixth is the Jade Emperor Northern-Chen Hua Lord of the North Star (the Jade Emperor divine lord of Polaris). He is the polar soul of the North Star, residing at the North Polar Gate and corresponding to Lady Huahuang of the South Gate.

The fifth is Lord Danyuan, the Jade Emperor Golden-Charm Seven-Chen Lord. He is the Danyuan star-spirit of Tianduan Star, corresponding to Lady Zhonghuang of the North Gate. The sixth is the Jade Emperor Northern-Chen Hua Lord of the North Star. He is the polar soul of the North Star, residing at the North Polar Gate and corresponding to Lady Yuanhuang.

The seventh is the Jade Emperor Sorrowful-Spirit Northern-Canopy Lord of Tianguan Star. He is the Tianguan soul of Yaoguang Star, located at the North Gate beneath the two gates of Daming, corresponding to Lady Xuhuang. The eighth is the Jade Emperor Honored Nine-Chen Lord of the Left Assistant Star. He is the assistant-star soul of Dongming Star, whose jing-qi (essence and vital energy) is yangming, corresponding to Lady Dihuang of the West Gate. The ninth is the Jade Emperor True Primordial-Chen Lord of the Right Aide Star. He is the aide-star soul of Yinyuan Star, whose jing-qi is abundant, corresponding to Lady Shanghuang of the Southeast Gate.

The configuration of the nine officials is as follows. The Yangming Grand Commandant Palace has nine hundred twenty grades of affiliated officials, together with nine hundred million myriads of spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers and embroidered-robe envoys; jade youths and jade maidens each number nine hundred million. The Yinjing Upper Steward Palace has five hundred fifty grades of affiliated officials, together with nine hundred million myriads of spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers and embroidered-robe envoys; jade youths and jade maidens each number nine hundred million. The Perfected Person Minister-of-Works Palace has seven jade maidens. The Yinjing Upper Steward Palace has five hundred fifty grades of affiliated officials, together with nine hundred million myriads of spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers and embroidered-robe envoys; jade youths and jade maidens each number nine hundred million. The Perfected Person Minister-of-Works Palace has seven hundred seventy grades of affiliated officials, together with nine hundred million myriads of spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers and embroidered-robe envoys; jade youths and jade maidens each number nine hundred million. The Xuanming Mobile Palace has eight hundred eighty grades of affiliated officials, together with nine hundred million myriads of spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers and embroidered-robe envoys; jade youths and jade maidens each number nine hundred million.

The Danyuan Doujun Fu, the divine office charged with the affairs of the Cinnabar Origin (Danyuan) and the stellar Dipper, comprises seven hundred twenty grades of divine office. Under its command are nine hundred million lingguan (spirit officials), feilong qili (flying-dragon mounted officers), and xiuyi shizhe (embroidered-robe envoys); the yutong (jade lads) and yunü (jade maidens) likewise number nine hundred million each.

The Beiji Taichang Fu comprises seven hundred seventy grades of divine office. Under its command stand nine hundred million lingguan, feilong qili, and xiuyi shizhe, as well as nine hundred million each of yutong and yunü.

The Tianguan Shangdi Fu likewise comprises seven hundred seventy grades of divine office, with the same complement of nine hundred million lingguan, feilong qili, and xiuyi shizhe, and nine hundred million each of yutong and yunü.

The Futian Zun Yudi Fu comprises nine hundred twenty grades of divine office, commanding nine hundred million lingguan, feilong qili, and xiuyi shizhe, together with nine hundred million each of yutong and yunü.

The Bi Dadi Zhen Fu comprises nine hundred ninety grades of divine office, commanding nine hundred million lingguan, feilong qili, and xiuyi shizhe, together with nine hundred million each of yutong and yunü.

“Baoju” (recommendation) and “Jiandu” (supervision of transmission) are titles or stages within the ritual of conferring Fulu (talismans and registers). Their exact order and significance differ according to the recension of the text. The passage then enumerates “the transmitted xiuyi shizhe, yutong and yunü, nine hundred million each,” that is, the designations and numbers of the divine generals and attendants associated with the transmission.

The Bi Dadi Zhen Fu has nine hundred ninety grades of divine office, under which serve nine hundred million lingguan, feilong qili, and xiuyi shizhe, as well as nine hundred million each of yutong and yunü. Ritual offices such as “Baoju” (recommendation), “Jiandu” (supervision of transmission), and “Dushi” (master of transmission) are listed among them.

The closing designation “Taishang baiwushi jiangjun nanxian linglu” names the Numinous Register of the One Hundred Fifty Male Immortal Generals of the Most High; this is the title of the Fulu described in the present passage.

On a certain year, month, and day, in a certain Daoist temple in a given prefecture, county, and village, a person of such-and-such surname who has received a particular Fulu (talismans and registers; the credentials of Daoist office conferred by the tradition) has always been endowed with the divine Qi (vital energy) of the newly emerged Lord Lao and the Supreme High Emperor-King. Yet he himself has been unable to discern it clearly. Now, bearing tokens of authentication, he presents himself before the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) ritual master, your servant so-and-so, requesting to receive the Taishang Register of One Hundred Fifty Generals of Male Immortal Spirits. He has truthfully declared his circumstances. Having been summoned by the Lord and granted registration and official appointment on that same day, he shall henceforth assist the Celestial Master (Tianshi) and succor the common people. He must not drink wine or eat meat, must not indulge in frivolity, lewdness, or theft, nor commit any of the other prohibited acts enumerated in the text. He must not arbitrarily establish a separate set of methods, nor ridicule or slander his teachers. Such conduct would provoke the jealousy and enmity of demons. After receiving the register he is to be compassionate, kind, and generous, filial toward elders, protective of the young, and parents and siblings are to treat one another with mutual respect and support.

On the auspicious days of the Five La (important fasting and sacrificial dates in Daoism) he should offer sacrifices to family kin and ancestors in the hall; on the corresponding day in the second and eighth months he should sacrifice to the gods of the soil and the stove. Apart from these observances he must not arbitrarily sacrifice to other ghosts and spirits. Should he violate this, he will suffer harm and at that time must not resent the Daoist methods or lay blame upon his teachers. All is to be carried out in accordance with the statutes and commands of the Supreme Lord Lao.

The register enumerates fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Direct Envoy Merit Officers, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Healing Merit Officers, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Left Official Envoys, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Right Official Envoys, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Yin Spirit Decision Clerks, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Yang Spirit Decision Clerks, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Yin Official Imperial Physician Clerks, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Yang Official Imperial Physician Clerks, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Yin Official Merit Officers, fifteen Upper Immortal Capital Yang Official Merit Officers, five Red Heaven Calendar Banner Rigid Wind Great Generals, five Red Heaven Calendar Banner Rigid Wind Left Generals, five Red Heaven Calendar Banner Rigid Wind Right Generals, five Red Heaven Calendar Banner Central Official Rigid Wind Great Generals, fifteen Red Heaven Calendar [officials], and again five Red Heaven Calendar Banner Rigid Wind Great Generals.

These latter items are the titles and numbers of the spirit officials, envoys, and generals listed in the Fulu. Terms such as Gongcao (Merit Officers), Shizhe (Envoys), Jueli (Decision Clerks), and Taiyi Li (Imperial Physician Clerks) are official designations within the Daoist spirit pantheon. The concluding phrases of the original text, including “鬲戾葕刃Ｐ胁徽,” together with certain of the titles, appear to contain errors, so that their precise meaning cannot be determined; the phrase “Red Heaven Calendar Banner Rigid Wind Great General, five persons” also occurs twice at the end.

The Gangfeng Left Generals of the Red Heaven Calendar Banners number five in all; the Gangfeng Right Generals likewise number five. The Central Officials’ Gangfeng Grand Generals, Left Generals and Right Generals number five each; there are five Central Officials’ Grand Generals; the Left Central Officials’ Generals and Right Central Officials’ Generals number five each; the Gangfeng Officials’ Grand Generals, Left Officials’ Generals and Right Officials’ Generals number five each; and the Gangfeng Cavalry Grand Generals, Left Cavalry Generals and Right Cavalry Generals number five each.

The Upper Immortal Capital (Shangxiandu, the official yamen of the celestial capital in the heavenly realm) is staffed with Gentleman Clerks and Tiger Braves (Langli Huben), Treachery-Inspecting Hooked Cavalry (Chajian Gouqi) and Three Officials’ Supervisors (Sanguan Pushe), each numbering 1,200, together with 1,200 Heavenly Ding Strongmen (Tianding Lishi). A second listing likewise records Gentleman Clerks and Tiger Braves, Treachery-Inspecting Hooked Cavalry and Three Officials’ Supervisors at 1,200 each, along with Heavenly Ding Strongmen and Heavenly Attendant Armored Soldiers (Tianzou Jiazhu) at 1,200 each. Designations such as “Tiger Braves,” “Hooked Cavalry” and “Heavenly Ding Strongmen” here name classes of divine generals, guards or clerical functionaries of the heavenly realm.

The Upper Immortal Capital is further provided with Clerks of Gathering and Consuming Qi (vital energy), Clerks of Gathering and Consuming Shen (spirit), Clerks of Gathering and Consuming Ghosts, Clerks of Gathering and Consuming Evil and Clerks of Gathering and Consuming Poison, sixty of each; as well as Red-Talisman Carriage Clerks, Gangfeng Cavalry Post Clerks and Post-Horse Memorial-Delivery Clerks, sixty of each. These titles designate officials charged with capturing and ingesting Qi, Shen, ghosts, evil influences and poisons, and with riding carriages, transmitting talismans, serving as mounted couriers and delivering petitions.

The Upper Spirit Officials (Shang Lingguan, the offices of the heavenly Lingguan) comprise Direct Envoy Merit Officers (Zhishi Gongcao), Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers, Healing Merit Officers and Left Official Envoys, fifteen of each. Gongcao are officials responsible for transmitting commands and assisting in the conduct of affairs.

Among the Upper Spirit Officials, the Right Official Envoys and the Fifteen Envoy Merit Officers each number fifteen persons. The Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers and the Healing Merit Officers each number fifteen persons. The Left Official Envoys and the Right Official Envoys each number fifteen persons. The Yin Spirit Decision Clerks and the Yang Spirit Decision Clerks each number fifteen persons. The Yin Official Merit Officers and the Yang Official Merit Officers each number fifteen persons. The Yin Official Imperial Physician Clerks and the Yang Official Imperial Physician Clerks each number fifteen persons.

The Post-Rider Grand General, the Left Post-Rider General, the Right Post-Rider General, the Metropolitan Post-Rider Grand General, the Left Metropolitan Post-Rider General, and the Right Metropolitan Post-Rider General each number five persons. The Capital Official Grand General, the Left Capital Official General, the Right Capital Official General, the Commander Cavalry Grand General, the Commander Left Cavalry General, the Commander Right Cavalry General, the Central Capital Cavalry Grand General, the Central Capital Left Cavalry General, and the Central Capital Right Cavalry General also each number five persons.

The Court Attendant Tiger Guards, the Treachery-Inspecting Hooked Cavalry, the Supervisors of the Three Officials, the Heavenly Zou Armored Soldiers, and the Heavenly Ding Strongmen each number one thousand two hundred persons. The Clerks Who Gather Qi (vital energy) and Consume Qi number sixty persons.

The names and numbers listed here are those of the various spirit clerks, generals, and troops serving under the Upper Spirit Officials. Merit Officer, Decision Clerk, Imperial Physician Clerk, and similar designations are official posts within the Daoist pantheon of deities. Terms such as post-rider, tiger guard, armored soldier, and strongman carry connotations of transmitting orders, reconnaissance, protection, and combat. The original text repeatedly lists certain titles, which this vernacular interpretation retains according to their meaning. The records that follow “Upper Spirit Persons” appear to contain omissions or repetitions, making it impossible to determine their numbers from the available text.

The Upper Lingguan (a divine office in Daoist Falu that commands the Lingguan spirit officials) oversees sixty spirit officials who seize and consume spirits, sixty who seize and consume ghosts, sixty who seize and consume evil, and sixty who seize and consume poisons. He also oversees sixty Kechi Chifu officials, sixty Gangfeng mounted dispatch officials, and sixty spirit officials who ride courier horses to deliver memorials. These are the titles and numbers of the spirit officials listed in the Falu.

Those who receive the registers should abide by the Five Precepts: they shall not take life, always harboring compassion for all beings; they shall not engage in illicit sexual activity or commit acts contrary to ritual and law; they shall not steal unjust wealth; they shall not deceive, invert good and evil, or confuse right and wrong; they shall not drink to drunkenness, constantly contemplating pure cultivation.

“Baoju,” “Jiandu,” and “Dushi” are related titles in the Falu ritual, referring respectively to the one responsible for recommending the recipient of the registers, the one who supervises and presides over the transmission, and the master who transmits the registers.